A question more and more city dwellers are asking themselves: "Should I move to the countryside?"
Recent research suggests many young Londoners are considering a move to rural areas, and it's easy to see why. With hybrid and remote working now widely established, the appeal of countryside living has never felt more achievable. From a slower, more considered pace of life to wider open spaces and a genuine sense of community, the countryside offers something that city life increasingly struggles to match.
In this guide, we explore the real benefits of moving to the countryside, from lifestyle advantages and practical considerations to tips for making a successful transition to rural life.
Contents:
- Why consider moving to the countryside?
- What are the lifestyle benefits of rural living?
- Countryside vs city living: which is better?
- What are the practical considerations to consider before moving?
- Ready for rural life? Discover new homes in South Devon.
Why consider moving to the countryside?
Leaving city life behind for the countryside isn't just a change of address; it's a genuine shift in how you live.
Quieter spaces:
For those craving a calmer, more grounded way of life, rural living offers exactly that. Away from the noise and pace of the city, the countryside provides a peaceful, restorative environment, one that changes beautifully with the seasons and, at times, feels entirely your own.
Larger homes:
One of the most compelling practical reasons to move to the countryside is what your money can buy. In rural areas, property budgets stretch considerably further than in the city. Rather than compromising on space, buyers moving to the country can often upsize to a home with room to grow, whether that's a farmhouse kitchen, a dedicated home office, or a garden that genuinely earns the name. In South Devon in particular, the combination of dramatic landscape and strong property value makes for an appealing long-term investment.
Spacious outdoor areas:
Most rural properties offer outdoor spaces that their city equivalents simply can't match. Whether you're envisioning a kitchen garden, a space for children to roam freely, or a setting to entertain guests on long summer evenings, countryside homes tend to come with gardens that make those ambitions possible.
Lower cost of living:
With lower property prices comes greater financial flexibility across the board. Day-to-day living costs in rural areas are often more manageable than in major cities, giving households more breathing room to spend on the things that matter; local food, independent businesses, and the experiences that make countryside life so rewarding.
Rural attractions:
In South Devon, the countryside isn't just a backdrop, it's part of daily life. Popular market towns, working farmland, and walking trails are on the doorstep, while nationally recognised landscapes such as Dartmoor National Park are within easy reach. For those who love to be active, outdoors, and connected to their surroundings, the South West offers unrivalled variety year-round.
Lifestyle benefits of rural living
The health and wellbeing case for countryside living is well established, and in the South Hams, it's particularly compelling.
This corner of South Devon consistently ranks among the most active regions in the UK. With watersports along the coast, miles of countryside footpaths, locally grown food, and clean air as standard, rural life here supports a way of living that simply isn't replicable in a city environment. Moving to the Devon coast carries many of the same advantages, and the South Hams happens to be home to some of the finest coastal villages in the country.
Beyond the physical, there's a social dimension to countryside living that urban life often lacks. Communities here are close-knit and genuinely connected. Neighbours become friends; local events have real meaning. For families, young professionals, and those seeking a more intentional way of life, that sense of belonging is one of the countryside's most underrated attractions.
Countryside vs. city living: a comparison
Country life vs city life: the honest answer is that it depends on you. But for those who are genuinely drawn to rural living, the advantages are significant.
Advantages of living in the countryside:
- Growing availability of remote and hybrid work, removing the need for a city commute
- Larger properties with generous outdoor space
- Lower cost of living and greater spending power
- Access to locally grown produce and independent retailers
- Extensive opportunities for outdoor exercise - walking, cycling, watersports, and more
- Closer, more connected communities
- A healthier, more balanced approach to work and home life
Disadvantages of living in the countryside:
- Public transport links are less frequent in rural areas, making a car more of a necessity
- Limited Access to Services & Amenities: Healthcare, schools, and supermarkets can sometimes be a short drive away, rather than being on your doorstep, making errands a bit more time-consuming.
Misconception: there's nothing to do in the countryside
It's a common assumption, and an unfair one. Rural life in South Devon is anything but quiet in the wrong sense. From coasteering and surfing to village fetes, farmers' markets, arts festivals, and some of the South West's finest restaurants, there is no shortage of ways to spend your time. The landscape itself is the activity.
From outdoor pursuits, such as coasteering and surfing, to spectacular countryside walks, the natural landscape is built for those who love to be active and surrounded by beauty. The South West is also full of opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Advantages of living in the city:
- More opportunities for work in-office
- More frequent and varied public transport
- A wider range of high-street retail and entertainment
- Convenience of having work, home, and amenities in proximity
Disadvantages of city living:
- Limited access to green space and nature
- A reduced sense of community and local connection
- Little opportunity for outdoor pursuits or countryside walks
- Smaller, more expensive properties
- A faster pace of life that can work against wellbeing
Moving from the city to the countryside: practical considerations
For those seriously considering a move from city to country, a little practical groundwork goes a long way.
Before committing to a location, consider whether it genuinely suits how you live:
- Does the area have the type of properties that work for your household?
- Is it close enough to a town for the conveniences you'd miss?
- What's the social scene like, and does it suit your stage of life?
Logistical considerations
Every move requires research, but a city-to-countryside move raises a few additional questions worth answering early:
- Travel: How accessible is the location by road? If you commute occasionally, is it manageable? Is there public transport nearby for those who need it?
- Healthcare: How far are you from a GP surgery, hospital, or pharmacy?
- Schools: What are the local schools like? For families with children, this is often a primary consideration.
- Work opportunities: Is remote working viable long-term, or might you need to factor in commuting distance to a regional hub?
Ready for rural life? Discover new homes in South Devon
The benefits of moving to the countryside are real and wide-ranging, particularly for those ready to make a meaningful change in how they live.
South Devon, and the South Hams in particular, offers one of the most desirable rural settings in England: exceptional natural beauty, a strong and active community, outstanding independent food and drink, and a property market that continues to reward thoughtful buyers. For those drawn to countryside living, it's a rare combination.
If you're considering a move to rural Devon, the team at Marchand Petit would love to help. As one of the South Hams' most established independent estate agencies, we specialise in countryside and coastal homes, from properties for sale in Dartmouth to houses in Kingsbridge and the villages in between.
Contact our team today and let us help you find the home you've been imagining.
View properties for sale in South Devon.