Essentials For Rural Homesteading

By Land8: Landscape Architects Network on February 16, 2017 1 Comment / 4887 views

In this article, we discuss the essentials for rural homesteading. The desire to “get away from it all” drives more and more people away from cities and into rural areas each year. The desire to avoid crime, pollution, congestion and a fast-paced lifestyle inspire these city-dwellers to relocate, and the news coverage of those same problems encourages most rural folks to stay put. Of course, there are some sacrifices involved in this escape from civilization. Life is considerably different when you go off the grid, or at least toward the edge of the grid. There are no insurmountable challenges, but if you’re considering a move away from the concrete and asphalt, there are things that you should plan for to make sure that your relocation isn’t a failure.

Essentials Rural Homesteading

Changing Financial Demands

The first thing people think about when considering such a move is how far they will be from the things they need to access. How far will they be from a mall or even a grocery store? As those distances increase, the need for increases as well. As a result, you need to economize in other areas. Families looking at the Canadian open country for a home can go to albertaenergyproviders.ca to check for the cheapest energy rates. A dollar saved on electricity becomes a dollar freed up for gasoline, so comparison shopping is well worth it. Your routine shopping may cost more, too. In cities, the higher sales volume and greater competition make for better prices. A single, small store in a small town will undoubtedly cost more.

Looking Inward For Entertainment

City life certainly has more opportunities for entertainment. There are youth sports leagues, cultural events, and civic groups that can fill your days with educational and rewarding activities for the entire family. Many of those will no longer be available in a rural area. Kids who are perpetually on the go with their own schedules will actually have to spend time with their siblings and learn to get along with them. That’s a good thing, of course, but it’s a transition that will take parental attention and guidance. Adults will see a similar change. There won’t be a ballet coming to town or a sports playoff game just a few miles away. But this can be a positive change for you as well: If you’ve participated in charities or arts activities, you could have a chance to lead those events in rural areas. Many small towns are starving for fine arts, and you could serve in a key role to help bring them to your new hometown.

Maintaining Access To The Outside World

Getting away from a hectic city life may initially include a desire to unplug and escape from all the demands of TV, the internet, and cell phones, but the reality of today’s society is that these tools are critical. And we often don’t think about how much of our idle time is occupied with the exciting opportunities of living in or near a big city, so the ability to socialize and be entertained over a long distance is even more important. Of course, it isn’t just about entertainment. You’ll need to stay informed about weather, since your small-town highway maintenance crews may not be able to clear snow as rapidly as you are accustomed to. News that you used to glean from face-to-face social interaction will now be accessed directly from the media. In the face of all of these changes, you may have second thoughts about moving. But you shouldn’t let these things distort the reality of a rural life, which is this: The air is cleaner. The traffic is calmer. You will know your neighbors, and they’ll know you. And you’ll be living in a much less hectic lifestyle that will improve your health and happiness. Like any major change in life, it will take some adjustment. But an escape from the city could be the best change you ever make. Recommended Reading: