Living in the Country: A Healthy Option
For at least a decade, many people have considered the idea of living in the country. One of the big reasons is the pollution in big cities, as well as the fast-paced lifestyle and stress that come along with city life.
Additionally, during 2020, it became clearer than ever that living in a rural environment with low population density has advantages when it comes to issues like pandemics. During these times, most cases occur in big cities.
As a result, more people are considering living in the country now. There are clear advantages to the rural environment, but you can’t ignore some of the limitations. In addition, not everyone is able to adapt to this kind of environment. Thus, you should be careful about making this choice.
The advantages of living in the country
Many people have already stopped dreaming of living in a big city. Likewise, others who were born and raised in a huge city are fed up with city life. The idea of living in the country is catching on. Why? Here are a few reasons:
- A cleaner, healthier environment. Large cities have gradually become less healthy for people, largely due to the number of cars. Clean air is becoming more and more difficult to find.
- Cheaper living expenses. Cities tend to be more expensive and don’t offer much in return. However, in rural areas, the cost of living tends to be lower, even though some goods aren’t as widely available.
- Fewer people, better relationships with neighbors. In big cities, almost everyone is anonymous. High population density doesn’t facilitate relationships. However, in the countryside, you’re more likely to build stronger, more supportive ties.
- More space. Land in cities is expensive. As a result, homes are getting smaller and more expensive. On the other hand, there’s plenty of space in the country.
- A different speed. In cities, people lead faster-paced lifestyles. However, in the countryside, things move slower and it’s easier to stay calm.
- Connectivity. It’s becoming increasingly easier to work remotely, which is why being away from large cities is no longer a problem for many people. If you have an Internet connection, you’re able to connect to the world, no matter where you are.
The difficulties of living in the country
Living in the country also has its disadvantages. While living in a big city isn’t always great, not everyone is ready to live in the country. Here are some of the difficulties of living in the countryside:
- Few job opportunities. The country is better for people who can telecommute or have their own business. In rural areas, it’s much more difficult to find a job and the salaries are usually lower.
- Health services. Generally, there aren’t state-of-the-art hospitals or medical centers in rural areas. Certain diseases are much easier to address if you live in a big city.
- Limited infrastructure. In rural areas, there are much more limited public services and other basic services, such as the Internet, banks, ATMs, clinics, and airports.
- Fewer cultural opportunities. In the countryside, there’s much more restricted access to museums or cultural activities than in big cities.
In addition, someone who’s very socially active might not know what to do in a rural setting. Also, anyone who lives in the country must connect with nature. Thus, if you aren’t a fan of nature, it might be best for you to stay in the city.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
Gudynas, E., & Acosta, A. (2011). La renovación de la crítica al desarrollo y el buen vivir como alternativa. Utopía y praxis latinoamericana, 16(53), 71-83.
