Self-Sustained Country Living Benefits Modern-Day Families

For a long time I had a dream of moving out to the countryside and making my own self sustained homestead. It was something I discussed with friends and contemplated, but life led me other places and I do some urban homesteading in my suburban town. But for those who are thinking about moving to the countryside, this post sent in by a reader talks about some benefits, financially, healthwise, and more, about living in the countryside. 

Countryside living is becoming increasingly popular among Americans, with nearly 50% of adults indicating that they would prefer to live in a small town or rural area, according to a recent Gallup survey. There are many reasons why families are retreating from urban living in favor of a quieter life in the countryside. Apart from cheaper housing and easy access to healthy food, you can also supplement your income readily by taking advantage of all the resources available to you.

Country living can save you a lot of money

Cities are generally a lot more expensive to live in than the countryside. For the same price as a stamp-sized apartment in New York City or Los Angeles, you can probably buy a small mansion on a massive yard in the country. Although the housing costs will be determined by your exact location, rural housing is, on average, 12.7% cheaper than urban housing. In addition to this, you can also expect to save money in a number of other areas, including groceries and healthcare. Utility charges are also lower in the countryside, and you can reduce them even more by installing a solar energy system. You will also be commuting less than you did in the city, saving you a considerable amount on transportation costs.

Easy access to healthy food

One of the greatest appeals of country living is the space you will have available to grow your own fruit and vegetables, and even raise some animals. If you have no experience in tending to a vegetable garden, opt for hardy, easy-to-grow vegetables such as pumpkins, potatoes, beetroot, corn and onions. There is also a large variety of berries and herbs, including strawberries, blueberries, rosemary, thyme and mint, that are not only easy to tend to, but also have a high yield. Raising chickens can supply you with both eggs and meat, while pigs, sheep and cows will also contribute towards more self-sufficient countryside living. When growing your own food, you will not only save money, but can also guarantee that it is 100% organic.

You can always hunt for your meat

If your family enjoys game hunting, you can cut down on your grocery expenses even more by filling your freezer with meat from your kills. Even when you consider the cost of a hunting license and your equipment, the meat you can obtain from a hunt still costs less than what you would pay for it in a supermarket. Although boar, whitetail and rabbits are often hunted for food, duck hunting has become particularly popular over the past ten years. In fact, purchases of duck hunting land have increased tremendously in recent years. Before buying dedicated duck hunting land or hunting gear, however, find a reliable source of duck hunting land tips that will give you greater insight into the pros, cons and legalities involved in duck hunting.

Take advantage of the money-making opportunities

Although you will save a considerable amount of money by simply moving to the countryside, the chances are, your family will benefit from additional income streams. As rural stores generally do not carry the same variety of items as a city supermarket, there might be a great demand for certain products among the locals. If you have a high-yield veggie garden, you can sell your surplus stock directly to your neighbors or at a local market. You can do the same with your eggs if you're raising chickens. If you are skilled in baking, or candle or soap-making, or have perfected your gran’s marmalade recipe, you can also make extra money selling your products to the local community.

Moving to the countryside can be of great benefit to your entire family. Not only will you be able to relish your natural surroundings, but you can also live a far more self-sufficient life.

For those of you that live in the countryside, what would you say are the biggest benefits for your family?