The demand for homes in rural areas and small towns has increased significantly in the last year. According to the National Association of Realtors, this past year has seen more rural home purchases than ever before, with nearly half of all buyers purchasing a home outside of a large metro area. 19% of all home buyers in 2022 purchased homes in rural areas.
That trend seems to be continuing in 2023.
So what’s driving this trend of buying homes in rural parts of the country? Let’s discuss why so many people are choosing to move to rural areas and the benefits of doing so.
The Lower Cost Of Living
One significant factor that is driving the trend toward rural living is the cost of living. Small towns and rural areas tend to have lower costs for housing, food, transportation, and other necessities than their city counterparts.
This means that people who are looking for a more affordable place to live can find it in rural areas – often without sacrificing access to amenities or quality of life.
In addition, many states offer special tax incentives for those who choose to purchase property in a less densely populated area. This can be an additional benefit for buyers looking for an affordable option.
However, in rural areas near ski mountains or resort areas, the prices are not lower, they have gone up dramatically in recent years.
Not all rural areas are less expensive so do your research before you start looking for that new rural property.
Now in 2023, our home property taxes went up a whopping 40%. The cost of living has gone up a lot as well from groceries to fuel prices to electricity and heating.
Increased Quality Of Life
Another reason people are moving out of cities is the increased quality of life they find in small towns and rural communities. Many places boast access to outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking trails, fishing spots, hunting grounds, etc., as well as cultural attractions like local art galleries and museums.
All without having to deal with busy city traffic or crowded public spaces.
Plus, with more space available in these communities, there is usually plenty of room for larger yards and gardens – perfect if you want some extra outdoor space.
Reduced Stress & Improved Mental Health
Thirdly, let’s not forget about stress reduction. The hustle and bustle associated with big cities can take its toll on mental health over time; by contrast, many small towns offer a peaceful atmosphere that can help reduce stress levels.
Research has shown that living in a natural environment like a rural community can lead to better overall mental health outcomes when compared with living in an urban area.
Therefore, making it even more appealing for those who want some peace and quiet away from the city streets. When we go back to our old urban neighborhood, the one thing that strikes me on the highway is all the billboards and flashing lights.
Not to mention all the stop-and-go traffic. I never realized how stressful that was day after day living there until I moved away and my blood pressure went down.
Closer To Nature Living In Homes In Rural Areas
If you love being outside and exploring nature, then a rural area is the way to go. There are often stunning natural landscapes just waiting to be explored.
Think of rolling hills, meandering rivers, and forests filled with wildlife – all right in your backyard with homes in rural areas.
And if you enjoy hunting or fishing, then you’ll find plenty of opportunities for those activities as well (just remember to check local regulations first).
Opportunities For Self-Sufficiency
Rural areas often offer plenty of opportunities for self-sufficiency that simply don’t exist in urban settings. You have more space available for gardening and raising animals if you’d like. That is something that would be virtually impossible in most large cities or suburbs.
If self-sufficiency isn’t your thing, there is often plenty of room for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping which can provide an escape from everyday life without needing to drive hours away from home.
Worker Remotely
As more jobs allow for remote work, it makes it easier to work from anywhere as long as you have reliable internet services. That may not be the case in some places. When we first moved into our new rural home I could not be online during mid-day.
The schools were using the internet for classes during covid. Luckily I got up early to get my work done. However, today we now have FIOS in the area and it’s been a game-changer for my online business.
Smaller Communities
When you live in a rural area, you become part of a much smaller community than what you would experience in an urban environment. This means that everyone knows each other. Which can be both good and bad!
But one major benefit is that it encourages people to get involved in their local communities and makes it easier to build relationships with neighbors and even participate in town events.
It also creates an overall feeling of safety due to everyone being more connected with one another.
However, it takes time to get to know your neighbors unless you work or are involved in an organization in the area for a while.
Land For Sale In Rural Areas
If you can’t find that perfect home in a rural area you could always purchase some land for sale in a rural area of your choice. It may take longer for the home to be built with less help available in the area but you can customize the home to fit your needs.
Prices of building supplies have been coming down in 2023 but with the recent rise in fuel prices that may change again.
Conclusion On Record Purchases of New Homes In Rural Areas
In summary, 2023 is seeing an unprecedented surge in demand for homes located outside large metro areas; it appears that more and more people are recognizing the value of small towns and rural communities as places to call home.
With their lower cost of living combined with improved quality-of-life options such as access to nature preserves or cultural sites plus reduced stress levels due to quieter atmospheres. It’s easy to see why so many are making the move away from cities towards smaller communities this past year.
If you’re looking for an affordable place with plenty of outdoor recreational activities or just want some peace away from busy city streets – then you may want to consider buying a home in one of these rural areas.
Your Thoughts
Have you thought about purchasing a home or land in a rural area? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
