Modern Homesteading website shares seven ways to know if you are up for rural living.
Many people dream of a simpler way of life that connects them back to the basics, a more self sufficient lifestyle that challenges them physically and mentally.
Growing gardens, building projects yourself, creating food storage, investing in yourself by learning different skills…. that is all elements contributing to a strong homesteading spirit that you will need to survive moving to the country.
I say this from experience after moving from a city that had a population of over 1.2 million people to a tiny town of under 700 people over 3 years ago.
A few facts I have gathered: ( Positives and Negatives)
Wave to everyone you pass driving on the road, walking your dog and don’t forget to smile.
Volunteer in your community… showing you want to be a part of the community helps.
Be careful what you say to people because there is not even 3 degrees of separation between people in a tiny town …. everyone is related in some way or another. They share the same DNA, have dated, was married to at one point to each other or their kids go to the same school. The local high school graduating class for 2012 had a total of 8 graduates – 3 male young men and 5 female young ladies to give you perspective how truly small a tiny town can be.
Be prepared to drive long distances to get to the big city. There are positives and negatives to this tip. Cost of gas in my opinion is well worth being far from the city and deep into nature.
If you are looking for work in a tiny town just know that most employers will would rather hire someone they have know for years compared to a person they know nothing about.
Crime still is happens in the country. I have been shocked at the amount of thefts, numerous cases of embezzlement, domestic abuse and drug use. It happens everywhere.
Not all people that live in the country are friendly or even nice. If you think that living in the country is like the show ” Little House On The Prairie” be prepared to deal with a lot of Mrs. Olsen type of people. Social acceptance never comes quickly in a tiny town and if your seeking it be properly prepared . I had a woman comment to me the other day ” I moved here 15 years ago and I am still considered an outsider”. We both had a good laugh over a cup of tea and agreed being outsiders was OK by us.
Knowing what size of town fits your style when seeking country living will reflect on your family’s happiness.
Click here to read the article:
http://modernhomesteading.ca/blog/rural-living-are-you-cut-out-for-it
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