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So you’re considering the best place for you and your family to locate. You’re wondering whether the city, suburbs or country would be most ideal both now and into the future. It’s definitely a major decision and one that you want to consider from all angles. Here’s a secret: Living in the country is definitely better than living in the city. Here’s why.
Cleaner Air
There are fewer cars in the country than there are in the city and suburbs. There are also fewer people, and all of that typically translates to a lower air pollution level. And that is better for the health of people and their pets. Plus, breathing clean, fresh air is invigorating. And you can typically see a lot less smog and a lot more stars in the clear sky at night.
Slower Pace
The pace of life these days can be really difficult to manage. It’s go, go, go all day every day. There’s a constant buzz and high level of noise. In the country, everything slows down. The pace is more relaxing. You can hear yourself think. The decreased stress level is more pleasant and much healthier. Some of the best places to live in Missouri are far from the beaten path where it almost feels like you’ve stepped back in time to an era when everything moved more slowly – in a good and fulfilling way.
Lower Cost of Living
One of the best arguments for living in the country is the cost of living. In particular, housing prices are often lower than they are in the city. That means homeowners can typically purchase larger homes with more amenities for lower prices. There usually aren’t homeowner association fees in the country either, so that saves even more money.
More Land and Possibilities
It’s much easier to spread out on a larger piece of land in the country than it is on a postage stamp-size lot in the city. That opens up all kinds of possibilities. Country residents can grow huge gardens, and doing so can drastically lower expenses at the grocery store. They can have various animals if they choose to do so. Horses, goats, chickens and cows are just some of the possible ones. Of course, any animal requires care, so time required for that is always a consideration.
Closer to Nature
While living on a small lot in the suburbs or no lot at all in an apartment complex in the city, it’s a challenge to stay in touch with nature. There are no wide-open fields or wildlife to explore and observe. In the country, there is automatically more access to nature because the land is nowhere near as developed with buildings and other structures. You only have to travel as far as the area around your house to experience the fullness of nature during all seasons of the year. And being exposed to nature lowers stress levels while increasing happiness.
The Simple Things
In today’s fast-paced, complex society, there’s definitely something to be said for savoring and appreciating the simple things. In the country, where everything is turned down a notch, it’s easier to notice and enjoy those simple things like a fresh snowfall, a satisfying conversation while relaxing on the porch swing or the view of a beautiful sunset. And it’s easier to forget the problems of the day, whether they are personal or global, when you’re out in the country and immersed in its beauty and calm.
You might be on the fence about whether to locate in the city or country. Think it through thoroughly, and by considering these issues, you might realize that country living is for you. What are you waiting for? Take the plunge, and try it out. You might just wonder why you waited even one extra day to start experiencing rural life in all its glory.
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