You’ve probably heard at least one story of a Londoner or someone from another big city getting sick of all the noise, crowds and chaos, and dropping everything to move to the country. You’re probably also aware that these stories often end in the town mouse in question running back to the city in under a year, discovering that the idyllic country life simply isn’t for them. If you’re planning an escape to the country, here are some things to know…
Driving is a Necessity
For many people who have lived in a bustling city their whole life, driving is immediately equated with stress. In London especially, a lot of people will put off learning to drive as they get into their late teens, and even rely on the numerous public transport links to get from place to place well into their twenties. While there are bus routes that run through many rural communities, timetables aren’t what they used to be, and if you’re living in the majority of English villages, you’re going to need a car. If you’re sick of the crowds of the city, then peaceful isolation may sound quite appealing. That may all change if it takes the best part of an hour to walk to the nearest shop!
Rustic Homes are a Double-Edged Sword
One of the things that tempts a lot of Londoners out of their sprawling metropolis and into the country is how beautiful and large some of the houses are compared to what they can afford in the city for the same price. I agree that there are some truly gorgeous homes in certain rural areas, some of which look like they’ve been plucked straight from a fairy-tale. However, living in a property that’s so idyllic can be something of a double-edged sword. The materials and existing technology are likely to be quite dated, and you may find yourself needing some outside help just to ensure you don’t get burned in the buying process. Check out this RICS home surveys guide to find out more about the kind of issues you could run into when buying a home in the countryside. There are certainly some diamonds in the rough, but generally if you want a rustic rural home, you’ll need to take the drawbacks that come with it.
Adjusting Takes Time
Many town mice think that once they settle in the country, they’ll stretch their arms out, take a deep breath of the crisp country air, and feel an instant welling of relief that they’ve been waiting for forever. Well, this usually isn’t the case. Adjusting to life in the country can take time, commitment and patience. The best approach for dealing with this is diving right in! Go to the local pub on quiz night, join a sports club, or simply make an effort with the people you come across whenever you go out. If you’re an obvious city-dweller, you’re going to be a bit of a novelty to begin with, and people will approach you often enough to make socialising a breeze!
XOXO
Debbie
