Honest Conversation about Rural vs Suburban Living | What to Consider Before Moving to the Country

Summary

This video chronicles a family's journey from suburban living to rural homesteading, exploring how they shifted their perspective on lifestyle and values. Initially unsure about rural life, they discovered that a five-acre farm offered the perfect balance between country living and convenience. Their story emphasizes the importance of aligning one's lifestyle with personal values and priorities. They also highlight the benefits of five acres as an ideal size for new homesteaders, sharing insights into the rewards of farming and the peacefulness of rural life.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Takeaway 1: Living in a rural area can align better with family values and lifestyle choices.
• 🚜 Takeaway 2: The journey to finding the right place to live often involves self-discovery and understanding priorities.
• 🏡 Takeaway 3: Moving from suburban to rural living can initially seem daunting but may become the perfect fit over time.
• 🔍 Takeaway 4: Perspective plays a crucial role; what seems 'rural' may shift as one becomes accustomed to a new lifestyle.
• 🛤️ Takeaway 5: Exploring different areas can provide insights and help clarify what truly resonates with family needs.
• ❤️ Takeaway 6: Adapting to change together can strengthen relationships and enhance familial bonds.
• 🌻 Takeaway 7: Celebrating achievements, such as owning a farm or livestock, can foster joy and connection within the family.
• 🧑‍🌾 Takeaway 8: The speaker's experience illustrates the benefits of starting with manageable homesteading sizes, like five acres.
• 🤝 Takeaway 9: Building a community in a new environment can be vital for support and shared experiences.
• 💬 Takeaway 10: Open communication about lifestyle preferences is essential for making joint decisions in relationships.

Q & A

What prompted the family to move multiple times in a short period?

The family was searching for the best environment to raise their children and engage in homesteading practices, which led them to trial different living situations.

How did living in the suburbs impact the family's lifestyle?

In the suburbs, the family enjoyed close proximity to amenities like shopping and parks, which allowed for a bike-friendly lifestyle, but they felt out of place due to their values around homesteading.

What were some challenges the family faced while living in the suburbs?

They faced challenges such as local regulations, which led to citations for activities like keeping chickens and having a rooster, making them feel restricted in their homesteading efforts.

What is the current living situation of the family?

The family now lives in a rural suburban area on a five-acre homestead, which balances their desire for space and freedom with access to community resources.

How does the family perceive community life in rural areas compared to suburban areas?

In rural areas, the family found that while they know fewer people, the relationships are deeper and based on shared values related to homesteading and community living.

What are the differences in available activities and services between suburban and rural living?

In the suburbs, there are many options for activities and services, while rural living offers fewer choices that may not always meet quality expectations, leading the family to prioritize select activities.

What benefits does rural living provide for those interested in homesteading?

Rural living offers more freedom to engage in homesteading activities like raising animals and growing food without the restrictions often found in suburban areas.

Did the family's pace of life slow down after moving to a rural area?

No, the family found that although they were home more often, their lives felt just as full due to various homesteading tasks and responsibilities.

What initial fears did the family have about moving to a rural area?

They feared isolation and a lack of immediate support in emergencies due to living further from neighbors, but they found a supportive community instead.

What lesson did the family learn regarding their values and lifestyle preferences?

The family learned that aligning their living situation with their values of homesteading and community is essential for their family's happiness and fulfillment.