With quaint villages, scenic views and a sense of community, the allure of moving to the British countryside is often too much for people to resist. Particularly since the pandemic, with outdoor space becoming more valued than ever before, more and more former city-dwellers are seeking out new lives in rural corners of the UK.
However, many people rush into the decision to move to the countryside without considering how much of an adjustment it can be - from local amenities to public transport. If you’ve decided that moving to the countryside is the right decision for you, our five top tips should help you decide on the best place to move and how to get the most out of living rurally.
Moving from a more-populated area to the countryside can be a shock to the system: all the things we take for granted about city living, such as restaurants, nightlife and culture, will soon feel like a distant memory. Although living rurally can be incredible, make sure you’re ready to adapt to a slower pace of living as a result.
We highly recommend spending some time in the area you’re planning to buy in - whether you rent a property or book a stay in an AirBnB. This will give you a proper feel for the region beyond what you can garner from doing research online.
Things like a local shop, GP practice, post office, hairdresser, bakery, nursery and school are all crucial when moving to the countryside. They help foster a sense of community and save you from having to drive to the nearest town every time you need to run an errand or pick up the kids. Check out the area’s local amenities before you take the plunge to check you have everything you need nearby.
Public transportation is naturally not going to live up to what you’ve come to expect from living in a city. Ensure that wherever you’re hoping to move has suitable transport links for your needs. This is especially crucial if you’re planning to commute to work in a more metropolitan area, or your children need to travel to school via public transport.
Although not everyone's the same, people are often surprised by some countryside views. Issues surrounding farming, immigration, hunting and Brexit tend to be big points of difference between rural and urban areas. Although you may not necessarily find yourself in this situation, it’s worth preparing yourself to engage politely in conversation about these issues, and don’t take it too personally if you find yourself the lone voice in the crowd!
If you’ve decided that Devon is the countryside destination of your dreams, allow Rose Removals to help make your house move go smoothly. With sites all over the county, we are local experts and have garnered a reputation of excellence when it comes to removal services in Exeter, Tiverton, Exmouth, Barnstaple, Okehampton and more. For more information on how we can help, please
get in touch.