Countryside Charm

Why embracing rural living might be right for you

Choosing between city life and countryside living is a big decision. While city life has its perks, the charm and benefits of the countryside are hard to ignore. There is an undeniable beauty to the countryside: acres of fields, tranquil forests and fascinating wildlife that you would never find in the city. Living in such a setting puts nature right at your doorstep, offering families the chance to embrace all that it has to offer. Beyond the scenic appeal, being closer to nature can significantly benefit both your physical and mental health. The countryside provides easy access to many outdoor activities like walking, cycling and gardening, which are all shown to boost your immune system and promote overall well being. Not only this, spending time in nature has also been proven to enhance happiness, reduce levels of anxiety and depression and make us feel more fulfilled.

Living in the countryside offers the advantage of more space. Often, the city can feel cramped, with small home gardens and limited green spaces restricting how much you can truly enjoy the outdoors. In contrast, countryside homes tend to be much larger and often offer a lovely spacious back garden - perfect for children to play in and for families to unwind. The lower cost of the land and property allows you to find or build your dream home at a fraction of the cost compared to the city. markets and community gatherings create opportunities to build meaningful connections and form friendships and support networks.

The countryside can provide a tranquil lifestyle. The constant background hum of traffic, music and noisy neighbours can be a nuisance in cities, while in rural areas, these distractions are replaced by sounds of naturebirdsong, the calming rustle of leaves and the gentle breezecreating a peaceful atmosphere that is hard to find in urban environments.

The small feel of a countryside town fosters close knit communities, where neighbours know each other by name and a strong sense of connection thrives. Local events, farmers’

There tends to be worry about limited work or educational opportunities in the countryside. However, this worry becomes less relevant with flexible, hybrid or remote working now becoming the new normal, making relocation to the countryside increasingly practical. Additionally, the countryside is home to some of the nation’s top independent day and boarding schools, offering excellent education in a peaceful setting, free from the distractions of urban life.

Therefore, while city living has its advantages, the benefits of the countryside - ranging from greater space and natural beauty to stronger communities and improved wellbeing - make it an appealing choice for many. Embracing rural living might be the perfect way to achieve a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.

AMELIE ROBINSON Assistant Editor

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