Recent reports indicate that 2020 saw a substantial increase in “urban flight.” According to US News & World Reports, approximately 40 percent of adults living in cities indicated they would like to move to less populated areas, according to US News & World Reports.
The decision to pack up and move to rural and suburban landscapes can be a culture shock. The bright, big city lights are generally absent from small communities. People who are determined to leave the hustle, bustle, and noise behind to embrace a more laidback lifestyle will have to adjust to the new pace. Here are strategies that can help city transplants acclimate.
1. How to Manage Grocery Needs
Most suburbs have a supermarket within reasonable driving distance. People living out in the country may have to drive a solid hour to shop at a large store.
Rural homeowners typically employ two strategies to deal with distance. The first is to buy in bulk, get a deep freezer and secure a generator in case of power outages. The second strategy is to grow fresh vegetables. When you grow your own food, you can provide your family with fresh produce and lower your monthly expenses.
2. Plan Your Time in Advance
The Eagles rock band may have summed up city life perfectly with their “Life in the Fast Lane” lyric, “Everything, all the time.” Suburban and rural life tends to be more measured. Cultural events such as live music and community gatherings might be more likely to occur only on weekends. This reality means that running out to a show on a Tuesday night might be off the table. People moving out of the city may acclimate better by planning their time at home and nights out on the town in advance. Consider using a calendar and phone alerts about upcoming events.
3. Learn to Relax and Be With Yourself
Concepts such as mindfulness and meditation can prove helpful in rural and suburban settings. Cities seem always to have something going on, and engaging in a distraction tends to be easy. Quiet towns can task people with grounding themselves.
Mindfulness and meditation can be an invaluable way to transition and embrace the seemingly small things in life. Taking time to prune roses, crafting, and just reading a good book are ways to relax and be at peace. Consider employing the formal structures of mindfulness and meditation as a gateway to improved appreciation.
4. Throw a Backyard BBQ and Invite Your New Neighbors
After the moving company has delivered all of your personal belongings, consider organizing a backyard barbecue. Invite friends, family members, and your new neighbors as a way to get to know them. An outdoor party can be a fantastic ice-breaker and sends a clear message you are putting down roots. It’s also a perfect opportunity to learn more about the community from long-time locals. As a newcomer, a little help from neighbors can increase your comfort and make your new place feel like home.
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