City, Town or Village - Deciding Where To Live

Living costs

It’s well-documented that city living can be expensive, whether that’s higher house prices or simply paying more for a pint in the local pub. But although country living is often cheaper, it’s worth factoring in the costs of living in a more remote location, such as the drive to the local supermarket or fuel for your commute.

Walking vs driving

If you enjoy walking, there will be plenty of opportunity to get out in the great outdoors close to your country home. But although the countryside is ideal for scenic walks, you can still explore your city home on foot, whether you’re discovering new places nearby or walking or cycling to work instead of taking the car.

Outdoor space

If you need lots of outdoor space on your doorstep, country living could be the right choice for you. From walking the dog to taking the kids on outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of natural landscapes to explore close to your country home. But if you don’t mind the hustle and bustle of the city, you won’t be far from local parks, nature reserves and other green spaces.

Joining social clubs

Although you can be anonymous in a city, it can also be easier to find a ‘tribe’ of people with similar interests to you. Whether you want to play 5-a-side football or learn photography, there’s lots of choice and diversity. If you already have friends and family in the local area, socialising with new people may not be top of your priority list. And, if you do opt to live in the countryside, you may be surprised at the range of groups and social events happening within driving distance of your new home. You can find social groups online, whether that’s through local Facebook groups or websites such as Meetup. If you are out and about, notice boards in community centers or other local places will have adverts that might be of interest.

Looking for a compromise

Thankfully there are plenty of places in the UK that strike a balance between city and country living, so you don’t necessarily have to choose between two extremes. Whether you’re living in a suburb or relocating to a village with train services to nearby city centres, there are lots of options to consider for your next move, so do your research and make a choice that’s right for you.