Table of Contents
Choosing where you want to live is not easy, as you may need to consider many factors and desire your house to offer you the maximum facilities. When you’re happy with where you live, you may consider getting a forever home there. But, how do you choose? It has been open to much debate and speculation whether it’s better to live on a farm or a suburb. While both have their perks, they both also come with their set of challenges. Ultimately, you will have to pass your decision.
Shopping for farm living and suburban living are vastly different. It would be best if you also prepared yourself for a massive lifestyle adjustment. Since preparation is vital, make sure you’re ready to make the big move with all details at hand. The last thing you would want is a house and a location which makes you unhappy. So, here’s what you can expect if you choose farm living or suburb living:
Suburban Living
Suburban refers to residential areas outside of cities. Many suburbs exist on the outskirts of large cities and are independent entities of their own. You can see a green lawn, white picket fences, and a beautiful house if you picture suburban living. If you happen to choose Orange County, California, just a smidge near LA, you’re in for a treat. One of the perks is the water facilities available there. If you google reverse osmosis orange county, you’ll see the top of the best facilities in California alone. However, it is not all sparkling down in the suburbs. So, here’s what you need to prepare yourself for:
Perks
Some benefits of buying a house in the suburbs are:
- Close Proximity to the City. The suburbs are a suitable option between the city and the country. So you’re not entirely cut off from city life, and you’re not completely in it. So, you get the peace of being in the country and access the city whenever you like.
- Relatively Affordable Housing. Housing is a significant concern. Suburbs give you a range of options that can be affordable. You won’t get hit with hefty prices like those within the city. You can easily acquire a three-bedroom house in the suburbs. Which in itself is a significant milestone since getting an apartment in the town is a challenge.
- Safe Housing. Cities can become a criminal hotspot. Crime rates can always escalate in no time. Since metropolitan areas are the hub of business, riots and high-risk crimes can happen at any time. However, suburbs are safe areas. You can easily live within a gated community with security. You can even pitch in for a neighborhood watch. So, you can always stay in peace away from any significant crimes.
- Excellent Schools. If you have children or want a career in academia, then suburban life is for you. There are numerous excellent public schools and colleges for you to explore. Children get to access excellent facilities and even lush green sceneries as they study. The environment is also extremely calm and worth the exploration.
Challenges
These obstacles may make it hard for you to live in the suburbs:
- Extensive Commuting. Driving from a suburban area to access basic facilities and going to work is long. You may have to leave home early to beat the traffic. You’re also heavily reliant on personal cars since there is a limitation to public transport. So, unless you’re okay spending too much time on the road in your vehicle, you’ll be fine.
- Fewer Activities. If you enjoy shopping and large recreational centers like cinemas you will have to frequent the city more. There are many activities within your community and so keeping yourself entertained is a challenge.
- Too Much Maintenance. Living in suburban houses means you will have ample space. Most of these spaces come with grand structures and lush lawns. The upkeep is high, and you may need to hire help. If you’re on a budget, that can become troublesome. If you don’t maintain your space, you may end up depreciating your property value.
Farm Living
Farm living is a type of rural living. You will find yourself sharing your space with a community and a population in the countryside. In some cases, farm living is considered just outside of suburban areas. Farm living has picturesque imagery of rolling hills, quaint farms, and an overall small town. However, life is not that easy. While you may enjoy your new life, you still need to prepare for what lies ahead:
Perks
Farm life brings these facilities to your doorstep:
- Closely- Knit Community. Everyone likes the feeling of a community. If you choose farm life, you may find yourself with the friendliest lot of neighbors. Not only does it mean you’re safe, but your children will also always grow up in a safe and careful environment.
- Extremely Affordable Housing. Farms have vast lands. So, you can always find yourself a good spot. The care and maintenance of a house are also cheap. You can quickly get the property under your name and leave a beautiful home for generations to come.
- Fresh Environment. The countryside is beautiful. It has sprawling fields, lush greenery, and even animals for you to enjoy. Nature does wonders for your health. You can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy fresh produce and water whenever you like. At night you can enjoy sky gazing and even looking at the stars. Who wouldn’t want a house close to nature?
- Slow Paced Life. Not everyone likes a fast-paced life. If you like taking things slow and enjoy living in the present, you will love the countryside. There are also fewer responsibilities for you. So you can wrap up the day’s work fast.
Challenges
The grass may seem greener on the other side, but that’s not all there is to farm living:
- Fewer Jobs. The countryside doesn’t have many working opportunities. You may need to stick to low-paying jobs that may feel mundane. There are also fewer businesses, so you can’t try your hand in running one. You also don’t get to enjoy work privileges as you do in urban cities.
- Fewer Facilities. Some farms are still under development. They may be technologically challenged and may even lag in some basic facilities. Farms don’t usually have treatment plants. You may need to depend on the local well for water. The hygiene facilities are also not up to the mark. Farmers may kill animals in an unhygienic manner and with barely clean rooms, bringing in diseases. State-of-the-art hospitals are also out of the question. So if you fall sick, you need the local clinic. In cases of emergency, it is a massive risk-taking you from one place to another.
- Less Public Transportation. You will have limited mobility living in the country. Transit options are minimal, and you may need to bring your car in. If you don’t own one, you’ll either have to walk or use a bicycle.
Wrap Up
Everyone wants the best location for their house. The site you choose will determine how the rest of your life will pan out. If you like suburban life, there are affordable houses with great schools waiting for you. However, you may get isolated from the community and end up spending too much time on the road. If the countryside beckons you, beautiful fields and nature are waiting for you. You will live a quaint life in a community of your choosing. However, the facilities severely lack, and getting even primary care will be a challenge. So, in the end, no matter what you choose depends on what you see. If you like its perks more than the others, that should be your destination.
