is the countryside better than people think

Mad_maxx

i live within half an hour of one of the main cities , my fiance works in the city but i work from home while also taking the kids to school , financially it works for us this way , me being the home maker i suppose during work hours , she is off work since late march as she is a retail manager

we are both blow ins in the area we live and have been seriously thinking of moving to the suburbs of the city for several years , the locals are extremely clannish and its that bit too quiet during the winter , its a rural village but also a commuter one to one of the cities so shops are not far away , since the covid 19 lockdown however , our minds have changed somewhat , we have a large bungalow on two acres , bought in 2012 , lot of space for the purchase price , i keep a dozen sheep to graze the little field beyond the lawn and the kids adore the lambs , they have oceans of room to mess around and that space has become more an asset since the lockdown , we have trees , hundreds of feet of hedging and a lot of shrubbery and greenery to keep maintained , the kids get a nature lesson all year round and love spotting insects and bugs etc

i guess im asking if countrylife will come back in popularity due to the changes brought about by covid 19

LeYouth

I really think it depends on the quality of the house that you're living in.

jester77

I grew up in the countryside, you couldn't pay me any amount of money to move there now. It was the lonliest, must miserable existence growing up. Wouldn't wish it on any kid.

Harry Palmr

Homes in the sweet spot up to about 30 KM from bigger towns, cities are going to be sought after if this looks like being a long term part of life. The push back against ribbon developments, one off housing with all mod cons ("but I demand 500mb download speed") and other unsustainable, inefficient types of dwelling will be itself pushed back as many seek a safe space.

I couldn’t hack living in a city or suburb long term, living in the countryside is just so so much better. If I was you op I wouldn’t dream of moving back. Look at how great things are now compared to stuck in an estate, these advantages are still there when the lockdown ends.

Couldn’t imagine bringing up children anywhere but the country either, I had such a great time myself and would want the same for any child of mine. Also you have so much more space and vastly better houses, the house I’m planing to build would probably cost close to 7 figures in a city but it will only cost me the same as a standard 4 bed in an estate to build.

JoannieG

I live in rural area having lived in Dublin for many years, and I would hate to live in even a small town, never mind a city. OP, you say the locals are clannish and that it's a bit too quiet during the winter. Get involved in some local activity - drama, football club, table quizzes, choir, walking group, tidy towns, etc, etc, etc - and I guarantee you won't have a free evening during the winter, and you'll find that the locals will accept you. Give rural living a chance.

jam_mac_jam

Depends on what you like and is important to you. I personally would hate to live in the countryside so I don't. I like living in a city.

Doesn't mean it's for everyone though. A lot of people would be miserable in a city. It depends on the person.

meeeeh

LeYouth wrote: »

I really think it depends on the quality of the house that you're living in.

I think that is very important and so is the area you live in. Not all countryside is equal. I like where we live anyway but yes our life is pretty comfortable despite the pandemic.

Ultrflat

Best county I lived in was Waterford, bye far it was rural, with mountains beaches loads of space for activities...

NoviGlitzko

Ultrflat wrote: »

Best county I lived in was Waterford, bye far it was rural, with mountains beaches loads of space for activities...

What other counties have you lived in to compare as a matter of interest?

Ultrflat

NoviGlitzko wrote: »

What other counties have you lived in to compare as a matter of interest?

Cork, Kerry, Meath Dublin, Louth and Mayo.

PsychoPete

I live in the back arse of nowhere down a boreen, you wouldnt pay me to live anywhere else

Ubbquittious

jester77 wrote: »

I grew up in the countryside, you couldn't pay me any amount of money to move there now. It was the lonliest, must miserable existence growing up. Wouldn't wish it on any kid.

I used to hate it till I got a car. But for everyone it's different. If there were more people my age around back in the day it would have been better. I'd never go back to the city now or even a village and am about to buy a house way in the shticks

ednwireland

grew up grubby dirty terrace housing in the uk . would I go back to that after many years in donegal with acres of fields round me. not a chance.

Mister Vain

It was great when I was a kid. Some great adventures and fond memories. It was horrible during my late teens/early 20's as I didn't get my first car until I was 23. After that it didn't matter.

Ultrflat

I grew up in the rolling feilds of Meath falling into every single mud trap I could find.. I'd do anything to that all over again. The hole
My life changed when I got my car my uncle left it to me in his will a pretty awesome Lada Nivia pretty much like this yeah people used to joke but I had independce and a very slow 4x4 :pac:

Dayo93

its all releative , I grew up in the Suburbs and now live in the same Place

I like that I can walk to the shop , walk to the pub , walk the kids to school , the kids have all there friends living close by so when they are old enough they wont be isolated and will be able to call to them without any ordeal, We have two large Parks within walking distance of the house , We like going to gigs etc , jump on the bus and in dublin in 30-40 mins.

The wife is from the country and we have an opportunity to move back , i can see the appeal of the big garden etc but all the stuff we would loose and travel distance to work for me it would not be worth it

freshpopcorn

I live a few km from a town. So, I can walk there if I have to.
I lived in a city and town for a while and I was looking forward to it but it didn't do a lot for me.
Being closer to shops was nice for a while but the novelty wore off after a while being a guy.
Also everywhere was busier. I can go to town go to the main supermarkets and it's not as much hassle as it's in a large area.
Same if I want to go swimming, gym, etc. I have access to things without the traffic, etc in the country.
I was happy enough as a kid in the countryside. I had friends etc. The whole housing estate lifestyle wouldn't appeal to me at all. If I had to live in a town. I'd be looking for a house on a road with a good enough distance from neighbour's. Neighbour's always seem to bickering in housing estates from what I know.(This can happen in the country also but at least your not on top of one another).

Cody montana

I grew up in a rural area but have always lived in cities since I went to college.
I love the social aspect of living in a city.
I like the buzz, the easy access to everything.

Think I’d retire in the countryside though.

Ultrflat

Ultrflat wrote: »

Best county I lived in was Waterford, bye far it was rural, with mountains beaches loads of space for activities...

Its also believed by many to be irelands best city

Feisar

jester77 wrote: »

I grew up in the countryside, you couldn't pay me any amount of money to move there now. It was the lonliest, must miserable existence growing up. Wouldn't wish it on any kid.

That's part of the reason we are in an estate at the mo. When we were buying there were some nice houses in the countryside which we'd have preferred. With having kids in mind we decided against them.

jester77

jester77 wrote: »

I grew up in the countryside, you couldn't pay me any amount of money to move there now. It was the lonliest, must miserable existence growing up. Wouldn't wish it on any kid.

I grew up in the country and still live there now. It’s ok for families with small children but not great for teenagers. As a teenager, I lived a distance from my friends and as a result was and am a bit of a loner. When my own kids were old enough, I had them join every club possible and spent years driving them to various events. It was tough going, but I think worth it as they’ve got great friends from these groups. I love my home, but have been seriously considering selling and moving into or closer to town as the maintenance is a bit much now that we’re approaching retirement.

GIMP

I grew up in rural Ireland till 19, hated it.

I moved to Dublin loved it

We moved to a more rural area when we had kids about 6 years ago, hated it, nearly finished us (commuting etc)

Moved to North County Dublin, best decision. Near city, semi rural with infrastructure, sea and beach on door step.

We did it so our kids would have a step up and quality of life and opportunities that rural clicky Ireland just doesnt offer.

Rothko

Grew up in the countryside and loved it. I'd hate to live in a city or a large town.

NSAman

Grew up in London, moved to the arsehole of nowhere in ireland, as a kid I hated it for the first two years, could not settle. My parents sent be back to London as i was so unhappy to live with relatives. I lasted three weeks. I came back to Ireland and have love the countryside ever since.

The freedom, the lack of neighbours the sense of community I love in small locales.

I moved to Dublin, while I still have an apartment there I only use it for business and family needing to use it. I could never live in dublin full time. I have lived in NYC Chicago Madrid and a few other cities, but each weekend I headed outside the city to the country for a break.

I currently live in a very rural location in the States while still having a place in the city (which is used by the kids as i never go there apart from a day or two a year). I love the fact that I have a few acres to mow, gardens to maintain and fantastic neighbours. The ability to see for miles is amazing and a the privacy i adore. The dogs love the running around, as do i pottering around on a tractor in my free time. Fantastic neighbours who actually give a damn and a real sense of community make this ideal for me.

In ireland i have just bought a house for my retirement again in the west, which I have been doing up (but has come to a halt with all virus stuff). It is in a beautiful area a few kms from a small town but very rural and fell in love with the view and the people 9over a number of years.

I like visiting cities (nyc especially) but dont think I could ever live in one full time again.

whisky_galore

Countryside isn't so bad right now.
With anything that's any good shut down in the city, living there must kind of suck these days.

Small town Ireland sucks at any time.

harry Bailey esq

PsychoPete wrote: »

I live in the back arse of nowhere down a boreen, you wouldnt pay me to live anywhere else

Five or six years and we'll be doing the same fingers crossed. West cork. Already own the shell, little place a few miles outside bantry.

Giraffe Box

PsychoPete wrote: »

I live in the back arse of nowhere down a boreen, you wouldnt pay me to live anywhere else

Correct.
I'd prefer it if you stayed right there, thanks.

meeeeh

whisky_galore wrote: »

Countryside isn't so bad right now.
With anything that's any good shut down in the city, living there must kind of suck these days.

I think the good size garden and house is advantage at the moment. I can't imagine two adults with kids working from home living in a semi detached house with a small garden.

Hercule Poirot

I've been living in a very small town for the last ten years, moved here for work

Promised myself I would be gone within two years but procrastinated and ended up settling here buying a house and that even though I only knew the people I worked with and very few others

About three years ago I joined a sports club and then last year joined another club - makes a world of difference being active in the community

I'm not saying you have to attend town meetings or anything like that because that wouldn't be my cup of tea but when it comes to living in the country you get of it what you put into it

I wouldn't dream of living in a built up area now, it just doesn't appeal to me at all

Ms2011

These threads are always the same:

I love the city/country and couldn't imagine living anywhere elsewhere.
I hate the city/country and would never return.

It's all relative to your circumstances and personal preference.

meeeeh

Ms2011 wrote: »

These threads are always the same:

I love the city/country and couldn't imagine living anywhere elsewhere.
I hate the city/country and would never return.

It's all relative to your circumstances and personal preference.

That's true. I think though at the moment things that make city great aren't around. Frankly if someones quality of life in city isn't affected at tze moment it just means that they were/are paying city prices for the lifestyle they could have in the country for less.

Ms2011

meeeeh wrote: »

That's true. I think though at the moment things that make city great aren't around. Frankly if someones quality of life in city isn't affected at tze moment it just means that they were/are paying city prices for the lifestyle they could have in the country for less.

I think making a decision now though wouldn't be wise, our current situation is (hopefully) short term. I say that as someone who is in the 'I love the country and couldn't imagine living anywhere else' bracket.

spurious

Once the house wasn't a dump, proximity to a hospital and decent broadband would be my criteria for rural living.

tastyt

Honestly reckon a decent sized town is the best bet. Has everything you need as regards shops, schools, gym , pub , sports clubs. If you want a rural life you’ll probably get it 5 mins drive form these places.

Head to a city then for a gig, sporting event or big occasion if needs be but don’t have the frankly ridiculous cost of living , crime and anti social issues you will find in Dublin . ( of course you will always have some of these things in every town )

mickdw

spurious wrote: »

Once the house wasn't a dump, proximity to a hospital and decent broadband would be my criteria for rural living.

People seem to have the opinion that rural houses are basically sheds.
The vast majority of families living in the country side are living in what would be million euro plus houses if located in dublin so the standard of living space and outdoor space is so far ahead of what one would expect in the city.
I think after this lockdown where having to stay in an apartment must really have been horrific, there will be increased interest in having a country getaway.

Mad_maxx

Ms2011 wrote: »

These threads are always the same:

I love the city/country and couldn't imagine living anywhere elsewhere.
I hate the city/country and would never return.

It's all relative to your circumstances and personal preference.

i dont hate either , i just posed the question if the countryside will get a fresh look post covid 19 ?

RobertKK

I like both.

The city has the amenities and people.
The countryside the peace and closeness to nature.

Both options have their positives, it depends what a person wants, what is good for one person is not for another.
I wouldn't run either down as we need both.

meeeeh

Ms2011 wrote: »

I think making a decision now though wouldn't be wise, our current situation is (hopefully) short term. I say that as someone who is in the 'I love the country and couldn't imagine living anywhere else' bracket.

I feel very little preference for either as long it's the right size and locatio but that was not my point. It was an observation that an awful lot of things that make city great are not there at the moment but if someone living there doesn't even notice it they probably weren't enjoying much of what city has to offer even before. Living in the country there is feck all difference unless you got to mass or gaa pitch.

Multipass

The countryside is great when your kids are small, but when they’re teenagers it’s a pain in the ass. Expect to spend those years driving. No drinking on Friday nights when you have to drive down to the arse of nowhere at 1am to pick up from a party. Then up again at 7 to drop to a Saturday job. There’s a lot to be said for living somewhere with public transport.

Not in Kansas

I've never understood the 'retire to the countryside' mentality. By all means stay in the countryside if that's where you have always lived, or do your countryside living when you are middle aged and possibly raising a family.

What I don't get is moving to the countryside at a time of life where you will inevitably start collecting ailments that require hospital visits. When you may have to suddenly start relying on public transport. When you might find that you suddenly need more family support.

I say this all as someone who supports older people as part of my job. Things can change very quickly and unexpectedly for a variety of reasons and being near services and supports makes such a huge difference.

Ms2011

Multipass wrote: »

The countryside is great when your kids are small, but when they’re teenagers it’s a pain in the ass. Expect to spend those years driving. No drinking on Friday nights when you have to drive down to the arse of nowhere at 1am to pick up from a party. Then up again at 7 to drop to a Saturday job. There’s a lot to be said for living somewhere with public transport.

My sister lives in West Dublin and still drives her kids around as there is too much anti social behaviour around the bus/Luas stop near her home.

harr

I can see benefit to both , I grew up in a country town but near enough to Dublin for days out and to jump on the bus if needed so not out in the complete sticks. 10 minutes on my bike as a kid would bring me to the country side to my farming cousins where I spent most of my school holidays and I loved that freedom of going out in morning and not being seen only for meals .
I can imagine it would be lonely for some kids if they didn’t have family or friends nearby.

Currently we have best of both rural village in a small housing estate with fields and woodland all around us. Kids can walk to friends and school and most sports are only a bike ride away.
A friend who has teenagers and lives in middle of no where is run ragged driving the kids everywhere add to that poor broadband and mobile phone signal so he can get fairly isolated , nearest house to him is nearly 2km away and nearest village is 12km .

I have lived in a few city’s and you are never bored and always something to do and I did enjoy city living for a while. But definitely found city living more lonely than rural.

Potential-Monke

Having being brought up in the country and lived in a few different cities at this stage, the country life is underrated. But that seems to be a city vs country upbringing thing. I love the nights in the country. Mostly silence, some wildlife. But the best part is when there is no cloud cover, and you get to see the night sky in all its glory. That is what is underrated. During the winter, as I work nights, I'd be getting home while it's still dark, and I'd spend 5-10 minutes just staring up at the stars. Beautiful.

Had a friend who was born/raised in the city, and the country was 'too quiet' for him, and the wildlife used to freak him out. Jumping at every little rustle in the bushes, the cries from the nightlife. He couldn't hack it. I'm still waiting for my moment to make a fox friend!

_Brian

We live on a small farm in a rural area.

Literally can’t imagine living anywhere else.

But it’s all down to what your used to, what you want from life and how you live.
We never go to the pub so it’s no problem being 6km from them nearest town. Kids schools are on way to work so school runs are never a problem.

We keep cattle, chickens, pigs.

Have spent much of the lockdown building a stables and paddock as we’re getting a horse for the youngest.

DoozerT6

Deleted User wrote: »

I grew up in the country and still live there now. It’s ok for families with small children but not great for teenagers. As a teenager, I lived a distance from my friends and as a result was and am a bit of a loner. When my own kids were old enough, I had them join every club possible and spent years driving them to various events. It was tough going, but I think worth it as they’ve got great friends from these groups. I love my home, but have been seriously considering selling and moving into or closer to town as the maintenance is a bit much now that we’re approaching retirement.

Exactly this. During the years when I should have been starting to exist somewhat independantly from my family (meeting up with friends, just wandering into the town centre or whatever, only appearing at mealtimes) I was stuck at home for the most part. Being at home is what is most normal for me even now in my 40's, and it's VERY hard to break out of that mindset when you missed out on a lot of that part of your social development.

Balmed Out

People have preconceptions of both but the truth is both have a massive range.
I grew up in a suburb, it was about a 30 minute walk to the city centre but your not going to do that for a coffee and taking the car means traffic, parking hassle etc.

I live now in a semi d with excellent fibre in an estate of 12 houses just outside a town. I can walk in less than 15 minutes to a dozen bars and more restaurants and drive within 15 minutes to six or seven beaches the closest being 3km. I actually use cafes, restaurants etc more in the rural location as its just so much easier. I'd be home again by the time I queued at a bus stop or found parking in the city. I think its a far better location for families, kids, teens, couples. Young adults who want gigs on a Monday night and a wide variety of bars and older singles are far better served in the city.

Just trying to show urban isn't necessarily an apartment in the city centre and rural is not necessarily isolated. The big plusses are events in urban areas and rainy day activities. Whenever there's a good comedian or band I'm interested in playing in the town ill definitely be there, in the city I would have been picker.

Edgware

Ultrflat wrote: »

Best county I lived in was Waterford, bye far it was rural, with mountains beaches loads of space for activities...

and blaas

pgj2015

I grew up in the countryside, about 2 miles from a busy town. I am looking to but a house now and I saw a 7 acre site in the middle of nowhere overlooking a lake for only 50,000. I would have bought it but it was too far from where I work so I had to leave it. That is the ideal place I want to live, the lake would have been great as I have always been into fishing.

JustAThought

pgj2015 wrote: »

I grew up in the countryside, about 2 miles from a busy town. I am looking to but a house now and I saw a 7 acre site in the middle of nowhere overlooking a lake for only 50,000. I would have bought it but it was too far from where I work so I had to leave it. That is the ideal place I want to live, the lake would have been great as I have always been into fishing.

50k - Just buy it!! You’ll be regretting that for a long time!! ( Unless of course it floods!)

pgj2015

JustAThought wrote: »

50k - Just buy it!! You’ll be regretting that for a long time!! ( Unless of course it floods!)

it isnt on daft now, it comes and goes on it. but with my work it wouldnt suit at all, I will probably be working in a different industry in 10 years but at the moment it just wouldnt work. i doubt it floods at its on a steep enough hill.