Moving from a City to the Country: Stories & Tips
Fact Checked by: Moving from a city to the country is a major lifestyle change. This guide focuses on the practical side of that transition so you can decide if it fits your priorities and plan a smooth move.
Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve done it, the most common trade‑offs, day‑to‑day adjustments, and step‑by‑step tips for preparing. Use it to stress‑test your assumptions, build a realistic budget, and map out the first months in your new community.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Pros and cons: City vs. suburb vs. country living
Quick comparison table
Here’s a side-by-side look at how city, suburban, and rural life stack up:
| City | Suburb | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | High | Moderate | Low |
| Access to amenities | Excellent | Good | Limited |
| Crime rate | Higher | Medium | Lower |
| Social opportunities | Abundant | Moderate | Community-focused |
| Nature access | Limited | Some | Excellent |
| Transportation | Public transit | Car essential | Car essential |
| Internet/cable | Fast | Fast/moderate | Varies/slower |
Analysis by demographic
The pros and cons of country living depend on your lifestyle and needs.
- Families: Country living offers room to roam and safety, but there may be fewer school choices or extracurriculars.
- Retirees: Lower costs and peaceful surroundings are appealing, but healthcare access is a key factor.
- Singles and young adults: The social scene and dating pool are smaller, but remote work and new hobbies can help fill the gap.
Why people move: Motivations and expectations
Motivations for leaving city life behind are as varied as the people making the move. Here’s a closer look at common reasons people relocate from urban centers to rural communities:
- Lower cost of living: Housing, taxes, and utilities are usually cheaper outside major cities. If savings are a priority, check our guide to cheap ways to move out of state.
- Desire for space and nature: People crave green spaces, fresh air, and bigger yards.
- Peace and quiet: Many want to escape city noise, traffic, and constant crowds.
- Remote work flexibility: Telecommuting has opened doors for more professionals to live outside cities. New to the hunt? See how to find a job before you move.
- Family life: Safer neighborhoods and a slower pace are attractive for raising kids.
- Retirement: Stretching a pension further and enjoying more relaxation are big draws.
- Health reasons: Cleaner air and more outdoor living can improve well-being.
- Back to roots: Many move to be closer to family or recapture a simpler childhood lifestyle.
The pandemic accelerated these trends, as city dwellers prioritized space, flexibility, and control over their environments.
“JK handled packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking for me, allowing me to focus on moving myself and my two pups cross-country.”
|
|
|
|
rating
The transition: Challenges and adjustments
Emotional and psychological adjustment
Moving to the country can bring a real case of culture shock. The absence of 24/7 activity, longer drives for essentials, and a slower daily rhythm can feel jarring—or liberating.
- Loneliness: Smaller communities mean fewer people and events, which can take time to adjust to.
- Missing city conveniences: Say goodbye to late-night food delivery or grabbing a quick coffee downstairs.
- Adjustment period: It often takes months to settle in and start feeling at home.
“After the move, I realized it took me far longer to pack and declutter than expected. The slower pace helped me enjoy the process, but I really missed the convenience of city recycling and donation centers.”
Practical adaptation tips
Getting comfortable in rural life means developing a new set of routines. Here are a few strategies that can make the transition smoother:
- Test-drive rural life: Try a short-term rental or Airbnb before making a permanent move.
- Plan errands: Consolidate shopping trips, since stores may be far apart.
- Develop self-sufficiency: Learn basic home repairs, yardwork, and emergency prep.
- Expect slower service: Internet speeds, deliveries, and even public services may be slower. If you’re weighing storage options, see self-storage vs. moving containers.
- Be patient: Give yourself time to build new routines and find your rhythm.
“I had to pick up my moving container from a service center because home delivery wasn’t available in my rural area. Luckily, I planned ahead and rented a van, so the hiccup was minor.”
Social and cultural differences
Community involvement and making friends
Community is everything in rural areas. While social circles may be smaller, connections often run deeper and neighbors are more likely to lend a hand.
- Neighbors may reach out first: Expect welcomes, homemade cookies, or invitations to local events.
- Volunteer opportunities: Local organizations, schools, and churches often welcome newcomers.
- Community events: Farmers markets, fairs, and festivals are great places to meet people and build connections.
Daily life in the country: What changes?
Grocery shopping and errands
Living in the country means adjusting how you plan and shop for essentials.
- Longer distances: Grocery stores and pharmacies may be 20 or more minutes away.
- Plan ahead: Make lists and stock up to avoid unnecessary trips. Save on supplies with our picks for the best moving boxes and tips on free moving boxes.
- Farmers markets: Local produce is usually fresher and more plentiful.
Transportation and commuting
Transportation is a whole new ball game in rural areas.
- Owning a car is essential: Public transit is rare in most rural communities.
- Prepare for weather: Snowy or muddy roads can impact your daily plans and commute.
- Longer commutes: If you still work in a city, brace for more time on the road.
Entertainment and social activities
Options for fun look different outside the city.
- Fewer nightlife options: Bar hopping and late-night concerts are rare.
- New hobbies: Outdoor activities, gardening, and community sports often replace urban entertainment.
- DIY fun: Host bonfires, game nights, or potlucks with friends and neighbors.
Healthcare access
Access to doctors and hospitals isn’t as convenient as it is in the city. Planning ahead can make a big difference.
- Fewer providers: Specialists and hospitals may be farther away.
- Plan ahead: Know your nearest urgent care and pharmacy locations before you need them.
- Telemedicine: Many rural areas rely on virtual healthcare—check your providers’ options.
Honest reflections: Regrets, joys, and lessons learned
No move is perfect. Many people find there are both unexpected challenges and rewards when moving from city to country.
- More maintenance: Yards, driveways, and even wells or septic systems require regular upkeep.
- Budget for new expenses: Fuel, car repairs, and larger grocery hauls can add up over time.
- Missing city energy is normal: It’s common to miss old routines, but the peace and quiet of country life often outweighs the trade-off.
“I would have started packing a week earlier to ensure that everything was ready to go a day or two before the trailer and moving crew arrived.”
Advice for newcomers: Tips from those who’ve done it
Here’s what experienced movers wish they’d known before heading to the country:
- Start small: Avoid buying a fixer-upper until you’ve tried rural living for a few months.
- Research local regulations: Check rules for home projects, animal ownership, and land use before you buy.
- Get to know your neighbors: They’re your best resource for local info and support.
- Stock up on essentials: Weather or supply chain issues can delay deliveries, so keep basics on hand.
- Appreciate the slower pace: A slower lifestyle can be a gift, not a punishment.
Frequently asked questions: Moving from city to country
Is moving to the country worth it?
It depends on your priorities. If you value space, nature, and quiet, you’ll likely find rural living rewarding. If you prefer constant action and convenience, the transition may be tough—but many find the trade-off worthwhile in the end. For a full cost picture, use our moving cost calculator.
What are the biggest challenges moving from city to country?
Most people face a handful of common hurdles in the transition: longer drives for everyday needs, fewer dining and entertainment options, and a smaller social scene. You may also need to learn new skills like basic home or property maintenance. Planning ahead and setting realistic expectations goes a long way.
How do you adapt to rural life?
Give yourself time and approach the change thoughtfully. Start with a trial stay, say yes to community invites, and plan errands carefully. Replace old city routines with new hobbies to rebuild structure. Our out-of-state moving guide covers planning basics step by step.
Will I need a car?
Almost always, yes. Public transit is rare in rural areas and distances between essentials can be significant. If you’re relocating a vehicle long-distance, compare options in our car shipping guide.
How can I make friends in a rural area?
Start with your neighbors, then look for volunteer opportunities and local clubs or gyms. Smaller communities are often welcoming to newcomers who show up consistently. Consider hosting casual get-togethers to kick-start connections.
Conclusion: Key takeaways for moving from city to country
- Moving from city to country is a major lifestyle shift: Expect challenges and rewards in equal measure.
- Plan ahead and do a trial run: Preparation helps smooth the transition.
- Real stories show adaptation takes time: The peace and satisfaction can make it worthwhile.
- Set realistic expectations: Be open to learning new skills and routines along the way.
Ready to start your journey? Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized moving quotes and find the right moving solution for your country adventure.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
