PROS AND CONS OF COUNTRYSIDE

Nowadays, the world’s population is increasing rapidly and people want a higher standard of
living. Because of this, many people have moved from small towns and villages to live in major
urban areas. However, some people choose to live in rural areas due to space, competition, and environmental pollution.
Below are the pros and cons of the countryside:

AFFORDABILITY: There is no doubt that properties in rural areas are far more affordable than in urban areas. This is perhaps one of the main reasons many people move away from the city, as they can spend the same amount on a three or a four-bedroom house in the country as they would for a one-bedroom apartment in the city. In a rural area, you can buy a lot more land than you would be able to in the city.

LESS COMPETITIVE: prices are typically lower in rural areas since there is far less competition compared to urban areas. If you find a place you love in the countryside, the chances are, you won’t get into bidding war. Instead, you’re more likely to be able to negotiate a better deal.

MORE SPACE TO GROW: most rural properties come with land which you can use to extend your home, grow crops, raise animals or add extra buildings, as long as you follow local regulations. Regulations and laws are normally far more lenient in rural areas, allowing you to build more easily or rent your property on service without negotiating strict rules.

THE QUIET LIFE: The personal aspect of moving from the city to a rural area is also extremely important if you are craving fresh air, natural scenery, and a close-knit community. Rural living could be the perfect thing for you. It’s also ideal for those looking to become more self-sustainable and it can be a great way to go back to basics. And finally,

COST OF LIVING: Generally, the cost of living is low in the countryside compared with that in the
urban especially for low-income citizen.

Despite all advantages of countryside, there also exist disadvantages as follow;

FEWER PUBLIC SERVICES: When you move outside the city, public services tend to dwindle. In some rural areas, they can be almost nonexistent, with locals helping one another, or traveling to the nearest town to get things done. This almost means you would need a private vehicle; as public transport is likely to be in short supply: in the city, you will rarely need to worry about water, electricity, gas, or any other basic utilities. They are all taken care of by the municipality. In rural areas, this is not so. Your water is likely to come from a private well, so it’s a good idea to carry out a quality check before drinking. Sewage is generally treated privately by way of a septic tank which needs basic maintenance and monitoring every few years. Electricity may be supplied by a smaller local company and you may experience more downtime than in the city.

SMALL TOWN ECONOMY ISSUES: Living in a rural area means there will be far fewer employment opportunities compared to the city. If you’re able to work remotely, this isn’t necessarily a problem, but otherwise, you may struggle to find regular work. Some small towns rely on one major employer, which can be dangerous and you need to consider what will happen if that employer goes under. Will residents leave en masse, causing house prices to fall?

Also, access to good health services, schools, and entertainment services is limited in the rural area which brings about low development in the quality of life.

It is worth noting that; The peace and quiet of rural living don’t suit everyone, and the
remoteness can become a problem if you start to crave city life again. Think long and hard
about whether rural life is for you and take the time to experience it as much as possible before
making your choice.