The Rural Life Guide: 10 Essential Do's and Don'ts

The Rural Life Guide: 10 Essential Do's and Don'ts

Moving from an urban environment to the serenity of rural life can be an exciting yet daunting process. Here are ten invaluable lessons - a translation from urban to rural life - to help make your transition smoother.

1. Understand Yourself and Your Partner

If minute disagreements, like the orientation of the toilet paper roll, seem to turn into heated debates, buying raw land may not be an ideal option. The journey from barren land to a comfortable living space demands several significant decisions, ranging from the location of the kitchen, the sourcing of construction equipment, to the style of the house. Cohesive decision-making is crucial. Having known couples who started projects with enthusiasm but ended up with abandoned endeavors because of disagreements, we've witnessed the strain that building from scratch can put on relationships. If you're unsure of facing these challenges, consider buying a pre-built house on undeveloped land.

2. Build Relationships with Neighbors

You might think moving into less crowded spaces means you'll have fewer interactions with neighbors, but in reality, community is a cornerstone of country life. As you navigate the winding, dirt roads during your prospective property visits, take note of the homes and their inhabitants. In times of emergencies, the closest help at hand might be a neighbor. During your visits, create opportunities to chat with potential neighbors to gain a sense of their character and reliability.

3. Assess Your Driveway

A factor often overlooked in rural living is the length and condition of your driveway. A long winding driveway may be a charming feature, but remember to factor in seasonal variations like snow and mud. Driveway maintenance can add additional costs to your living expenses.

4. Be Cautious in Shared Purchases

While sharing a property with another buyer might seem like a quick financial solution for nabbing your dream land, it can be a catalyst for disputes and discontent in the future.

5. Forge a Relationship with the Local Flora

Transitioning from a metropolitan to a sylvan lifestyle might mean you have to sacrifice a few trees for your establishment. While the decision might be challenging, it often results in being a necessary compromise for constructing your home or any additional buildings.

6. Become Proficient in the Rural Wave

Unlike in cities, avoiding eye contact or social interaction isn't beneficial. The wave is the rural equivalent of 'hello' and is an unspoken rule in the countryside's social etiquette.

7. Develop a Good Reputation

Unlike cities, rural areas treasure and uphold the tradition of reputations. Your actions and behavior contribute directly to your reputation in the community, which can precede you in personal and business interactions.

8. Acclimatize To Local Customs and Practices

Rural areas often have distinct lifestyles, which might involve hunting and gun ownership. Understand that these practices are woven into the lifestyles of the community and may create a different kind of noise than what you are used to.

9. Mind Your Pets

The freedom of open spaces can be a paradise for your pets but also a hunting ground for local wildlife. Ensure you're taking necessary precautions to protect them.

10. Understand the Infrastructural Stability (or Instability)

Access to utilities like electricity and phone connectivity can be unstable in rural communities. Suitable contingency planning is necessary to tackle such situations.

The key to transitioning to a rural lifestyle is to adapt. Adapt to the pace, the people, and the lifestyle. At Fish Creek House, we strike the perfect balance between luxury and the rugged outdoors, making country living a cherished experience.