Rural areas have a low population density and small settlements, also agricultural areas are commonly rural, as well as other types of areas such as forests.

Different countries have varying definitions of rural for statistical and administrative purposes……but no matter where the style of life is very similar

Rural living offers the opportunity to reconnect with nature. More trees and less traffic means cleaner air. Fields, forests, and streams make for great outdoor living and a healthier lifestyle

Advantages

• More privacy. In the countryside there’s a good chance your nearest neighbour won’t be directly next door. You may not even be able to spot their home at all.

• You can have a bigger garden. If you’ve always wanted to grow your own food or have more space for children or pets, this is a huge benefit.

• You’ll be able to own pets you may have always wanted but couldn’t have owned in a city or town. Cows, llamas and horses are all examples of these. You could even keep hens and have your own free-range eggs.

• You’ll be closer to the various wildlife of the area and to walks in areas of natural beauty.

• City-dwellers usually suffer higher levels of stress than those who commute in for work or live and work in the country. There is a reason living and working in a city is called “the rat race”. By decreasing the number of people surrounding you, you could become more relaxed.

• You can be fully, or semi self-sufficient. You could grow your own food. If you do decide to keep animals, you may also be able to sell produce from them (milk/eggs/honey) to create a small income.

Disadvantages

• If you have children of school-age, they might be faced with a longer journey to school, whether they walk, take the bus or get a lift in.

• Shopping can become an inconvenience. This may not seem all that important, but staples that are purchased a couple times a week, such as milk and bread, may be further than just a 2 minute trip down the road.

• There may be limited job opportunities, unless you already have a job nearby or if you commute into a town or city.

• Television and Internet connectivity could be weaker or patchy in more rural areas.

• During the winter months, nearby roads might not be in the best shape or not be as well maintained as urban roads.

• Trade services, such as a mechanic, are harder to find. In urban areas, if you have car trouble you can make do with a local taxi or bus until it’s fixed. Services like these are scarcer in the countryside, leaving you with limited options.

• Entertainment and eateries may be further away, which involves more time, a higher expense and extra planning.