Americans are moving to rural areas in increasing numbers. What is rural living and why are so many migrating to the country?

What does it mean?

My research indicates three types of attitudes concerning location.

Urbanites are residents of cities, and increasing numbers are moving to the rural areas! They have tried the hustle and bustle of city life and found they have more control, quality in education, shopping & higher career opportunities in the big city. They do not want the convenience left behind.

Space Seekers do not care for urban or rural areas. They want more indoor and outdoor space; larger backyards with subdivision lots under an acre. They want to be left in the peace and quiet environment.

Ruralists are advocates of rural living and they enjoy living in a rural environment. They are also known as Rural Life Stylers and desire to make a difference in their communities, strive for more freedom and entrepreneurial opportunities. They believe a rural lifestyle is healthier and living in a city is more challenging.

What do you consider for yourself, Urbanite, Space Seeker or Ruralist?

How would you define rural living?

There is a misunderstanding that rural life is living in the middle of nowhere (also known as the boonies) with large acreages like a farm or cattle ranch in Texas. Yes, this is considered rural living but a large percentage of people seeking land will own 1-5 acres. A smaller percentage plan to own more than 5 acres.

Basically there are 2 types of rural living:

One segment is profitable commercial farms and ranches with large acreages.

The other segment is hobby farmers, homesteaders and horse owners, for their self and not for profit with 1-20 acres and can be larger. They value land and what they receive is personal satisfaction. Ruralists have one thing in common, a desire to live outside the city limits and being involved in their destiny!

Are you considering moving to a rural lifestyle? How much land would you like to own?

Can you imagine life without technology?

I found, as a Rural Lifestyle Specialist, that is the main question I get asked on rural home listings from buyers. There are quite a few first class internet providers for rural living, so don’t let that scare you away!

A few other deciding factors are:

Fear of isolation

Lack of employment opportunities

Access to familiar retail and shopping locations

Education choices

There may be a few things to be addressed, but lets look at why people are moving to a rural area and take a look at the considerations in balance.

More land/space around home

Lower cost of living

Affordable housing

Entrepreneurial opportunity

Sense of community

Fewer people

Safer environment

Freedom from zoning, restrictions & HOA dues

Less traffic

Different cultures

Health benefits

Self reliant

If you are considering the rural lifestyle, what are some challenges you face?

I feel that this trend will continue based on what is developing in our cities with rising crime and inflation, public school issues, and questions about the future of our economy.

I want to help people learn this lifestyle, continue to build and share this rural migration trend and ensure you get the most out of the experience.

Having 15 years experience in helping people buy and sell rural properties, I will help you find what your looking for. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Heidi

Rural Bent and Country Bound