Do you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life over the peace and tranquility of the countryside? Or do you enjoy the gentle moonlight and open skies more than the bright lights and skyscrapers?
If your answers lean towards the countryside, it’s time to consider moving from the city to a rural area. Here, you can start living a simpler and slower-paced life, with many rewarding experiences. Below are the benefits of living in the countryside that we want you to know about!
1. Privacy is the Greatest Benefit of Living in the Countryside
In the city, land is precious, resulting in closely packed homes that leave little room for privacy. In contrast, in the countryside, you can choose a more secluded location at a lower cost.
Even if you live in a village, where many people share the same neighborhood, your privacy is still maintained due to larger plots of land and homes. In other words, moving to the countryside means you will have your own space and home, separate from others.
2. Less Pollution and Clean Air
The further you go into rural areas, the better the air quality becomes. Researchers have found that the abundance of greenery, reduced pollution, and exposure to phytochemicals released by fungi, plants, and bacteria significantly benefit our health. In contrast, urban pollution primarily comes from harmful emissions from cars, buses, and factories.
These harmful particles can enter the lungs, leading to respiratory issues, COPD, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, light pollution in cities means that streetlights and skyscraper lights shine 24/7, making stargazing almost impossible!
3. More Space When Living in the Countryside
Another benefit of rural living is having more space. Homes in rural areas tend to be larger, streets are quieter, and shops are less crowded. Simply having more space to breathe and live can make you feel much more relaxed!
If you plan to build a studio or a shed when you move to the countryside, you will have plenty of space to do so. In contrast, space is a luxury in urban areas, where every square meter becomes exceedingly expensive. Moreover, rural space allows you to choose from various views, whether looking up at mountains, out over fields, or across lakes.
>>>Read More: The Difference Between Life in the City and in the Countryside
4. Better Mental Health When Living in the Countryside
Living in the city can often lead to increased anxiety and stress. According to scientists, this is due to urban pollution, fast-paced living, and fierce competition. In contrast, people living in the countryside are accustomed to a quieter lifestyle, making them more likely to "accept reality" with less competition.
Additionally, the cleaner living environment means they encounter fewer psychological issues. Studies have shown that those living in rural areas experience less stress due to proximity to nature, reduced noise, lower living costs, cleaner air, and more space to breathe—quite literally.
5. Closer Connection to Nature
In the countryside, you can watch the sunrise, sunset, or simply immerse yourself in nature and greenery. The benefits of these seemingly simple activities are immense: improved memory and reduced blood pressure. Spending time close to nature not only enhances physical health but also energizes mental well-being. According to scientists, living near nature is one of the best forms of meditation.
6. Safer Living Conditions in the Countryside
Crime rates are generally lower in rural areas compared to cities. With fewer people, there’s less likelihood of crimes such as assault, theft, or robbery. Therefore, if you’re looking for a place where you can leave your windows open while you sleep, park your car outside without locking it, or let your children ride their bikes to school on their own, the countryside is the perfect place for you.
7. More Affordable and Economical Living
Another benefit of living in the countryside is the lower cost of living compared to the city. In rural areas, you will pay less for everything, from groceries and healthcare to transportation. Residents in rural areas typically pay 12.7% less for housing compared to those in urban areas. Many other costs, such as education, electricity, and water, also significantly decrease when living in the countryside.
8. Access to Clean Food
Another advantage of rural living is the access to genuinely clean food. In the city, even though there are many shops claiming to sell clean products, you often cannot verify their authenticity. However, in the countryside, you can find plenty of fresh fruits, eggs, and vegetables directly from local sources. With ample space, you can even grow organic food for your family.
9. Healthier Children and Pregnant Women
Research shows that pregnant women living near highways or main roads tend to go into premature labor due to air pollution from trucks and cars. In a 2011 study by Adrian G. Batnett, it was found that urban women experienced a 4.4% reduction in pregnancy duration due to exposure to noise and air pollution.
This risk is virtually nonexistent for women in rural areas, as they enjoy cleaner air, a healthier environment, and better sleep during pregnancy. Naturally, children born in the countryside are also healthier, making this one of the best benefits of rural living to consider.
>>>Read More: Why is the countryside better for children?
10. Ideal for Starting a Small Business
Rural areas have developed significantly over the years. In many countries, the countryside is changing daily, with improvements in electricity, roads, schools, and services. Therefore, if you plan to start a small business, it’s worth considering a rural location.
There are countless benefits to living in the countryside that you won’t find in the city. Of course, every choice comes with its trade-offs. In the city, you have more than just green fields and clean air; there are also conveniences and entertainment options. So, which side will you choose?
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