If the term “get away from it all” sounds like a good idea, maybe rural living is for you. Take Cortez, Colorado, for example. With about 9,000 residents, Cortez offers a peaceful and spacious environment perfect for those seeking a slower pace in southwestern Colorado.
What Exactly is “Rural Living?”
There are many definitions of “rural” and “rural living.” Small population size typically characterizes a rural place, but how small is rural? Basically, rural living means living in a less densely populated area where homes and businesses are located further away from one another. Living in rural America has come to be associated with space and freedom. It is estimated that one in five Americans live in rural areas.
Rural Versus Remote
Living rurally doesn’t necessarily mean living remotely. Many rural areas have great hospitals, shopping centers, fabulous restaurants, and excellent schools, all within an hour’s drive.
Sometimes, Less is More
Rural living means no crowds, less noise, traffic, and stress, plus more privacy, healthier foods, a slower pace, and for the kids, usually smaller classrooms.
Lower Housing Costs
A major plus to living in Cortez is that housing costs are generally lower here. If you want more general information about housing costs in rural areas versus urban areas, go here for details.
Rural Areas Have Strong Communities
You’ll find strong communities in rural areas because the people living there tend to depend on their neighbors more than they would in the big city. Some may think it can be lonely living in a rural area but actually, it’s easier to get to know your neighbors because there are fewer of them and community ties are stronger.
You’re Closer to Nature in Rural Areas
Living closer to nature is one of the most compelling reasons to live in a rural area. You don’t have to drive a great distance to enjoy outdoor activities. If you’re living in a rural area, you can usually just walk out your back door to enjoy nature.
You Have More Privacy in Rural Areas
In a rural area, space means privacy. Your neighbors aren’t a few feet away from you, sometimes they’re acres away. You can play your music as loud as you want or sit outside with friends, without bothering anyone.
Drives are Less Hectic
You might not have the convenience of a coffee shop around the corner, but whenever you do drive — to the store, to take kids to school, or the doctor — you won’t be in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a freeway.
Rural Living is Quieter than City Living
At first, you won’t believe the silence. It’s so quiet and peaceful, that you may wonder why you didn’t move here sooner. Another big plus is that at night you’ll be able to enjoy the stars.
Rural Areas Typically Have Less Air Pollution
The air is fresher and cleaner in rural areas. Fewer people means fewer cars and less exhaust from those cars. Fresh, clean air . . . you can’t beat it.
Life is Less Stressful
You’ll feel it immediately — the stress just fades away like air exiting a balloon. Rural living won’t completely alleviate your stress and there will be plenty of challenges in your new life, but living rurally may help you better deal with those stresses.
Rural Areas are Usually Healthier
Less stress, cleaner air, and a slower pace of life can lead to an overall healthier lifestyle. No guarantees, but rural living may improve the quality of your health.
There are Tradeoffs
As we mentioned, living rurally doesn’t necessarily mean you will be living remotely. One tradeoff to rural living is that grocery stores and other conveniences are not as close as in urban areas. However, to most people, it’s a tradeoff they gladly tolerate.
