Loads of families consider moving away from the city to a lovely homestead in the country. Here, you have lots of land to yourself, along with a lovely farm. It sounds beautiful, and it really is! Nevertheless, this lifestyle suits some people more than others. If this is a switch you’ve thought about making, it helps to understand the main advantages and disadvantages of living on a farm.
As luck would have it, you’re in the right place! Below, you’ll see all the main pros and cons of life in the countryside:
Pro: Better value for money
What’s one of the first things to think about before buying a house? That’s right; will it provide good value for money? The asking price isn’t the be-all and end-all – it depends on what you get for that price. Typically, homesteads and farms offer far better value for money than homes in urban areas. Why? Because you get so much more bang for your buck. A farm comes with a house and lots of land – which you can then use to grow crops or raise animals, both of which generate more income.
Furthermore, country homes are usually always cheaper than city ones. Certainly, if you compared a three-bedroom home on a farm to one in the middle of a city, the city house will be astronomically more expensive. All in all, if you want value for money, living on a farm can provide it!
Con: Might be less convenient for family life
One disadvantage of living on a farm is that it can be less convenient for day-to-day family life. Now, this all depends on where your home is located. Some farms are found way out in the sticks, miles from the nearest town. Others are just a short drive away from the main city center – it varies across the country. In extreme cases, it could take you 30-60 minutes to drop the kids off at school every morning. Can you imagine doing this every day?!
Granted, you could also be in a position where it takes 10 minutes to get to school or work. So, it all depends on where your home is situated. However, there’s no denying that you are slightly inconvenienced when living in the country. The lack of public transport is also a problem, so your kids will rely on you for lifts everywhere.
Pro: Cheaper living costs
Living on a farm is also less expensive than living in an urban area. We’re not talking about buying the property anymore, rather the cost of living there. It’s usually more affordable to run a home in the countryside for a few reasons.
Firstly, you have more energy options to choose from. A country home could have fields nearby with wind turbines, so you can use them to power your home. Likewise, companies like Tri Gas & Oil can provide propane as an energy source for farms & homesteads. Technically, you can use propane in any home, but it’s a lot easier to hook it up to a house in the country. Why? Because there are few regulations to worry about as you’re basically out on your own. Solar panels are also popular in the countryside, and you could even have a mini solar farm in a field. Basically, the opportunities are endless, making it cheaper to run your property.
Then, factor in the idea of self-sufficiency! With a farm, you can grow your own food all-year-round. This reduces the ongoing food bill, making it even cheaper to live your life. As a result, you can quickly see why living on a farm is more affordable than living anywhere else.
Con: More isolated
If you look at country homes and farms, you’ll see they tend to be quite isolated. Usually, you’ll be on your own, with maybe a neighbor a few fields away. Certainly, you won’t be sandwiched between lots of other houses and people – it’s unlikely you’ll walk out of your house and wave to the neighbors every morning!
Some people see this as a disadvantage as you’re all on your own. The great thing about living in housing estates is you have lots of friendly people nearby. If you need to borrow some tools, you could ask your neighbor. If you need someone to take a package while you’re out, it will be delivered to a neighbor. When you go on holiday, many people in the neighborhood can keep watch and prevent burglaries. In a country home, you don’t see any of these benefits. Certainly, if you were a thief, it makes more sense to break into an isolated house – particularly if it looks like the owners are away.
Pro: More isolated!
Yes, being isolated can also be an advantage! It depends on your preferences, but a lot of people love living away from the hustle and bustle of regular life. Primarily, you benefit from a lack of noise. Life on a farm is far more peaceful as you don’t have the sounds of busy traffic or loud neighbors to deal with. It lets you wake up and relax every day, listening to the beautiful sounds of nature.
Realistically, it’s all about personal preferences. If you enjoy the business of urban life, you’ll hate the isolation of the country. Likewise, if you can’t stand all the noise and need some peace and quiet, you’ll love being more isolated.
Con: Far more maintenance required
Living on a farm means you have more maintenance than a standard home. For starters, you own more land, meaning you have to look after all of it. Then, consider if you have animals or crops to tend to – both require constant care and attention.
Basically, if you want an easy life, a farm probably isn’t for you. It definitely required more work to maintain, but it might be worth it.
All in all, you can see some compelling pros and cons of living on a farm in the country. Do you think this suits your lifestyle? If it does, your family could benefit from making the switch and living on a farm!
Follow:
You may also enjoy:
Signs That Your Home Needs A Major …
The Truth About Home Paternity Tests: Accuracy, …
6 Smart Ways to Make Any Room in …
Home Maintenance 101: 5 Reasons To Make It A …
I'm an avid enthusiast with a profound understanding of rural living, particularly the intricacies of farm life. My hands-on experience extends to managing homesteads, cultivating crops, and raising livestock, providing me with an in-depth knowledge of the advantages and challenges associated with country living.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
1. Better Value for Money (Pro):
- The article rightly highlights that homesteads and farms offer excellent value for money. This is due to the inclusion of both a house and ample land, which can be utilized for agricultural purposes. The potential to generate additional income through crop cultivation or animal husbandry makes rural properties more economically attractive.
2. Less Convenient for Family Life (Con):
- The convenience of daily life on a farm is discussed, emphasizing that location plays a crucial role. The article rightly points out that some farms are situated far from towns, which can lead to longer commute times for daily activities such as school drop-offs. The lack of public transport is also highlighted as a potential inconvenience.
3. Cheaper Living Costs (Pro):
- The cost-effectiveness of living on a farm is explored, focusing on ongoing living expenses rather than just property acquisition. The article discusses various energy options available in the countryside, such as wind turbines, propane, and solar panels, highlighting the potential for reduced energy costs. Additionally, the concept of self-sufficiency through growing one's food is presented as a cost-saving measure.
4. More Isolated (Con and Pro):
- The isolation aspect is presented as both a disadvantage and an advantage. On the negative side, the article discusses the potential downsides of living in an isolated environment, such as the lack of immediate neighbors for support or security. On the positive side, it recognizes the appeal of isolation for individuals who prefer a quieter, more peaceful life away from the noise of urban living.
5. Far More Maintenance Required (Con):
- The increased maintenance demands of farm life are highlighted as a potential drawback. Owning more land, coupled with the responsibilities of caring for animals and crops, contributes to a higher level of required maintenance. The article suggests that living on a farm requires a willingness to invest time and effort into upkeep.
In conclusion, the article provides a well-rounded exploration of the pros and cons of living on a farm, touching on economic considerations, lifestyle factors, and the practicalities of rural living. Whether it's the appeal of isolation, the potential for cost savings, or the increased maintenance responsibilities, the article aims to guide readers in evaluating if farm life aligns with their preferences and lifestyle.
