With major cities getting busier by the day, it’s no surprise people are starting to move away.
Living out in the country can be fulfilling, especially if you’re looking to connect with nature. It’s also easier than ever, following the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work.
This guide covers everything you need to know about making a tree change, whether you’re planning to work from home or live in the farming dream. It also delves into employment opportunities, infrastructure, and climate-related risks.
Whether you’re planning to work on a farm or you’re already a farmer, working with experienced crop insurance providers is important. It can help you manage weather variability and protect future yields.
Table of Contents
Is the country right for you?
Before moving to the country, it’s important to understand whether it’s right for you. Living in the Australian outback is a different beast from city and suburbia. While it’s easy to get caught up in the dream, it’s important to ensure you’re making an informed decision.
Benefits
Living in the country comes with a wide range of benefits and disadvantages, like anywhere. If you love the idea of a ‘small town’ with a strong community, many rural towns have a tight-knit culture where your neighbours are practically family.
Another massive benefit is that the housing and rental market in regional locations is typically cheaper than in cities. You get more bang for your buck rurally, especially if you love land.
Disadvantages
While the country lifestyle has many benefits, there are disadvantages. The main cons are that services, such as healthcare and delivery, aren’t as accessible. It’s much harder to order Uber Eats out in rural areas.
The ‘small town’ vibe can also be a disadvantage. Because of the smaller population, there’s less diversity and fewer activities. In cities, there are always groups and events to join, while in regional towns, it’s noticeably quieter.
What to expect
Relocation always takes time to adjust, but moving from the city to the country poses unique challenges. Before you buy and settle down on farmland in a regional area, it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
The following are a few tips, and also what you can expect when you move to the country. While there’s plenty to love when you’re living rurally, it’s also important to prepare yourself for the moving (and settling in) process.
The housing and rental market
While properties in the country are typically cheaper than living in the inner city, the housing and rental market has skyrocketed in recent years.
It’s still possible to find cheaper properties in the country, but it’s also important to be realistic with your budget. The property market isn’t in the same position it was a decade ago, and moving to the country can be an expensive endeavour.
The adjustment period
Moving always takes time, whether it’s across the street or to another state. When it comes to moving for a ‘tree change’, give it a few weeks (or months). Especially if you’ve never lived in the country before, it can be a huge shift, culturally and practically.
Job opportunities
When it comes to employment, regional towns, especially farming areas, are very different from job prospects in cities. If you don’t already have a job lined up, we recommend always doing research on the area you’re moving to.
For most rural areas, farming is one of the most lucrative fields. So, if you have any interest in farming, whether it be animals or crops, moving to the countryside is a great opportunity.
Also Read : How to Choose the Right Pickup Truck for Your Needs
Life as a farmer
If you’re moving to the country to pursue the farming dream, it’s essential to be informed.
Look into any farms around the area you’re moving into, job opportunities, and consider what type of farm you’d like to work on.
There are many different types of farms, such as livestock, fruit orchards, and dairy. This can also impact the type of jobs available and when. For example, packing fruit or vegetables is typically seasonal.
