Should You Buy a Rural Home?

As the costs of homebuying continue to rise, many homebuyers are willing to exchange urban amenities for the peace, quiet, and affordability of country life. If you’re a city slicker moving to the countryside, be prepared for big changes, like using well water and septic tanks instead of city plumbing and dealing with less reliable cell phone, satellite TV, and internet services. But—you’ll improve your chances of seeing more stars at night and breathing fresh air.

You may have to do most if not all property maintenance and animal care, as help may be hard to find. Consider how close you want to be to the city and how often you need to go there. What services does your rural community offer, such as police, fire departments, EMS, and hospitals? Conveniences such as grocery stores and auto repair shops should be within a reasonable commute. You can choose which schools your children attend, even if they’re in another school district.

Before making the move, ensure your rural home meets your household’s needs.