Growing up far from a big city in America has plenty of benefits and not simply the obvious stuff like fresh air & seeing stars at night. Rural living has lots of benefits that city dwellers don’t even realize they’re missing out on—life outside the urban jungle teaches you some great lessons. If you’ve ever wondered what’s so great about living where the nearest Starbucks is a road trip away, here are eleven things that’ll help you see the countryside in a whole new light.
Featured Image Credit: mary_smn /Depositphotos.com.
Lower Cost of Living
Living in the sticks can be way easier on your wallet because housing doesn’t cost as much and groceries are cheaper. You’re also not pressured to spend cash on the latest trendy restaurant or bar every weekend, so you can save up—or spend on stuff that really matters to you! It’s a simpler way of life for your finances.
More Safety
Feeling safe is a big deal and in smaller communities, you get that. With lower crime rates on the whole, parents are more relaxed about letting their kids roam. It’s a kind of freedom that’s getting harder to find these days. Growing up and being able to explore without worries is quite a special feeling!
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Connection to Nature
Being close to nature is nice for the eyes and also means you learn to love the outdoors. You understand the season’s rhythm and respect the environment. Hiking, camping or even sitting by a river can do wonders for your soul. Plus, you learn early on that Wi-Fi isn’t the only way to connect!
Less Pollution
Breathing in clean air and drinking water that tastes like water (not chlorine) is great for your health. Less pollution means fewer health issues down the line. And honestly, it’s just nice to see the stars without smog getting in the way! It’s the simple things, like being able to take a deep breath of air that doesn’t taste like exhaust fumes, that make life here so great.
Unique Recreational Opportunities
Have you ever gone mudding? How about a real-deal barn dance? Rural life has lots of unique activities that you just can’t find in the city. You make your own good times, like fishing at dawn or a bonfire with friends under the stars, which may be a different kind of fun—but trust us, it’s just as fun.
Stronger Family Bonds
With fewer distractions, families in rural areas spend a lot of quality time together by working on home projects and gardening. Even just watching TV makes you closer! In rural areas, you make the most of what you have—and often, that’s each other. You learn from one another as you share stories and create traditions that strengthen your family ties.
Greater Independence
Kids in rural areas learn to be self-sufficient quite early by driving tractors and fixing leaks. Essentially, you get a crash course in “Doing It Yourself” because—well, you have to. It’s a great feeling knowing that you can handle what life throws at you and this independence helps build your confidence.
Exposure to Agriculture
Understanding where your food comes from is rather important and rural kids get a front-row seat to the experience of growing their own food. This hands-on science lesson sticks with you so you appreciate every bite a bit more. Better yet, you understand the cycle of life and the work that goes into producing food. Let’s not forget the importance of sustainability!
Less Noise Pollution
The quiet of the countryside is something else because it’s peaceful in a way that’s hard to find in the city’s constant noise. Such silence calms your mind and makes you feel more relaxed & focused. The wind in the trees, the birds singing at dawn and the crickets at night—you can hear it all without the backdrop of traffic & sirens.
Early Driving Experience
In rural areas, kids usually learn to drive sooner because everything is so far away. It’s not unusual to start steering a tractor or a pickup truck on private land long before you’re old enough to get a driver’s license! While it may be dangerous, such early driving experience makes you more confident & skilled behind the wheel. You have a head start on the road.
Room to Grow
Living far from a big city often means having more physical space, giving you lots of freedom & the endless possibilities that come with it. For example, you can build your own treehouse or start a massive vegetable garden. Having the room to grow can make you more creative. It also inspires a love for the outdoors that lasts a lifetime.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More:
