After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing chaos in major cities, more and more people are seeking refuge in rural areas. Articles in publications like the *New York Post*, *Wall Street Journal*, *Atlantic*, and *Washington Post* highlight this trend, suggesting that city dwellers are increasingly drawn to sparsely populated regions to escape the virus.
While I understand the appeal of the countryside, this isn't exactly a novel phenomenon. Urbanites have long sought solace in rural settings since the early days of the United States. Tennessee, for instance, has long been a popular destination for Californians priced out of their home state. But if you're considering making the leap from city life to a more pastoral existence, I’ve got some advice for you.
Take, for example, the video below, which features the classic tune "Peaches" by The Presidents of the United States of America. This song captures the essence of country living—simple pleasures and a slower pace.
Contrary to what you might see in movies, rural folks aren’t inherently hostile to newcomers. Yet, time and again, people move here without understanding the local culture or lifestyle, only to despise it and find themselves stuck because they can’t afford to return. Often, Californians don’t really want to live in Tennessee—they just miss California but can’t afford to stay there. These individuals sometimes attempt to recreate their former city life, ignoring the reasons they left in the first place. Comedian Tom Naughton even lampooned this issue over a decade ago.
These "California Karens" can be frustrating, but it's also disheartening to see people so discontent in their new surroundings. So, before making the move, here’s some general advice that will help you adjust wherever you go:
1. Research the place thoroughly.
2. Visit multiple times.
3. Engage with locals to understand their perspective.
4. Educate yourself about the local culture and community.
Any relocation requires some level of adaptation, and you'll inevitably influence your new environment, but you don’t want to move somewhere fundamentally incompatible with your lifestyle and values.
If you’re planning to homestead, try visiting during different seasons to get a full picture of the climate. I also recommend checking out *Escape the City: A How-To Homesteading Guide*, set to release in December. Although I’m usually cautious about recommending Kickstarter projects, I’ve read an early draft of the book, and it provides exhaustive details on running a homestead while delving into rural living in a way most books in the genre don’t. Plus, the author began homesteading in his 40s in New England, making it a great resource if you’re in a similar situation.
Living in the country has its perks—more freedom, connection with nature, and fewer people—but there are downsides too, and many aspects you might not anticipate. Before you make the big move, here are ten things you should know about country life. My experiences are shaped by my southern upbringing, but I try to offer advice as universally applicable as possible.
## Life Moves at a Slower Pace
Country people, particularly in the South, tend to move at a slower pace. Initially, this might appeal to city dwellers who say they want to slow down. But in the country, you don’t get to pick and choose when life slows down—it’s a constant rhythm.
For instance, imagine checking out at a store and waiting two or three minutes while the cashier counts out your change. Or picture driving around the town square and seeing people parked mid-road chatting. These situations are common here, and it’s not unusual to get stuck behind a horse-drawn buggy or a slow-moving farm vehicle.
If you’re accustomed to a fast-paced environment, this can be infuriating—even for someone like me who grew up in the countryside. Country people often think, talk, and act slower.
Accept this as part of country life. Practice deep breathing to relax. After all, isn’t that why you’re moving to the countryside?
## Services Are Limited
City dwellers are used to a variety of services. Local governments typically handle trash pickup, firefighting, and policing. You likely have access to high-speed internet and decent hospitals. Turn on the faucet and clean water flows. Flush the toilet and the waste goes elsewhere.
This isn’t always the case in rural areas. Calling the police might result in advice to handle the situation yourself, and if they do respond, it could take hours. Fire departments may send you a bill. We have one hospital, and it’s not ideal, especially during the pandemic.
Getting someone on the phone or receiving a callback can be challenging, whether you’re contacting a business or a government office. Sometimes businesses close despite posted hours because the owner is tired or running errands.
Electricity reliability can vary. When I was younger, we often went days without power. A decade ago, in rural New Hampshire, everyone relied on wood stoves due to frequent power outages, even in affluent neighborhoods. If you live in the cold Northeast, a wood stove and generator could mean the difference between life and death. Always prepare for winter.
I’m fortunate to have city water and fiber-optic internet, but many rely on wells with questionable groundwater and satellite internet, which is both slow and costly. I do have a septic tank, though, and fixing it is my responsibility.
Personally, I prefer this setup. When I lived within city limits, the trash service was abysmal—late pickups and messes left behind. Here, we have two competing private trash services, and ours is excellent. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and gone before sunrise. Police harassment is rare since they don’t patrol much, and those who do are laid-back.
That said, it’s not all smooth sailing. After storms, my neighbor and I often clear debris from the road ourselves because it takes the highway department days. When my wife was pregnant, I drove her hours to see her OB-GYN. And commuting to work in the city was expensive—both in gas and car maintenance. I was rear-ended twice in two weeks, in two different cars. For years after quitting that job, my eye would twitch whenever I drove on the interstate.
Still, these trade-offs were worth it for us to raise chickens, shoot guns, camp in our woods, and live freely.
When considering a property, keep these factors in mind. Before moving into our current home, there was no fiber-optic internet, but I noticed the hookup and confirmed service availability with the local phone company. If you have medical concerns, choose a property closer to a good hospital. Make a list of your needs and ensure your potential new home meets them.
For more on surviving the transition:
- Best home water filters
- IFAK first aid kit checklist
- Best fire extinguishers for home and vehicles
- Storing gas safely (and does it expire?)
- Off-grid power basics
To thrive in the country, you need to rely more on yourself and less on external assistance. Prepping becomes part of daily life, not just a hobby. Here, we have minimal government, partly due to budget constraints and partly because we prefer it that way.
## Country People Lean Conservative
It’s widely observed that country folk, on average, lean more conservative than city dwellers, regardless of region. My theory is that city residents depend on services, seeing big government as beneficial, whereas rural residents either depend less on services or are accustomed to poor ones, viewing government as an unnecessary nuisance.
While this isn’t universally true, it holds up in many areas. Driving to my house from town, I pass countless Confederate flags and Trump signs. Hence, scouting a location beforehand is crucial. Discover what you’re getting into before relocating. Traveling into Kentucky reveals a stark contrast, with fewer Confederate flags and more Democratic yard signs. Rural New York differs greatly from rural Montana.
Whenever venturing somewhere new, listen more than you speak. Agree on shared views and ask questions when opinions diverge. “Why do you think that?†is a gentle way to challenge without alienating. Often, you’ll find common ground, even with vastly different perspectives.
This varies regionally. Upstate New York differs politically from New York City, but people there are likely more liberal than rural Tennesseans. Ensure you’re moving to a place where you’ll fit culturally.
Beyond politics, country people can cling to outdated practices. Everyone has habits, but rural folks sometimes take this to extremes, clinging to ineffective methods. The deeper you engage in local politics, the clearer this becomes.
For a mild example, when I announced plans to get chickens, my neighbor doubted their survival due to predators. Most locals let their chickens roam freely, but I used a chicken tractor and lost only one to a raccoon. This shows how you can introduce new ideas without disrupting the community.
## Hostility Toward Outsiders Can Be a Problem
Stereotypes about rural people, especially southerners, exist for a reason. Racism is a genuine issue in rural areas—not just systemic but also overt hostility and prejudice. (This can occur in cities too.)
In some rural places, people are hostile toward anyone perceived as an outsider. There’s a nearby town where I consistently receive dirty looks and aggressive behavior from strangers who don’t even know me. “Not from around here†is enough to earn disdain.
In more racially homogeneous areas, discrimination can manifest differently. Having the ‘wrong’ surname might make you a frequent police target (watch *The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia* for an extreme example). Conversely, those with the ‘right’ surname can seemingly get away with anything (*The Andy Griffith Show* captures this mindset perfectly).
Fortunately, as an outsider, you’ll likely be shielded from historical tensions if the community welcomes newcomers.
Some areas are more inclusive than others, so do your research and take field trips before relocating. Often, initial hostility fades if you humbly integrate with the community. Eventually, you’ll be accepted.
## Nightlife Doesn’t Exist
I once had a neighbor from Nairobi who lamented how barren our small town was. She missed the vibrant nightlife of Nairobi.
It’s true. If your ideal evening involves gathering friends, hitting bars, drinking, dancing, eating tacos, and taking an Uber home, you won’t find much of that in the country. That doesn’t mean my wife and I don’t occasionally enjoy a night out, but it usually involves dropping the kids with grandparents, driving two hours to Nashville, dining, walking around, and returning home before it gets too late.
If you’re a bar person, there might be one in a small town, but the vibe will differ from what you’re used to. Country folks tend to be more religious, often disapproving of alcohol. Liquor stores are relatively new in my county, and we still observe “blue laws†banning alcohol sales on Sundays. Again, this depends heavily on the region.
So, what is there to do in the country? Country activities, of course! Horseback riding, ATV-ing, boating, fishing, hunting, shooting, barbecuing, and camping are common pastimes. Plenty to do, just very different from city life.
## Family and Church Dominate Social Life
Family forms the backbone of social life in the country. In cities, it’s typical to bond with friends and spend time exclusively with them. In rural areas, at least in the South, we have friends but don’t see them as much. That’s because they’re often busy with family, and friends aren’t invited. This makes country life as a single person lonelier. Everyone’s busy with family, leaving less time for socializing.
On the flip side, you might be “adopted†by a welcoming family.
Churches are another key component of rural social life, and many attend for the social aspect even if they’re not deeply religious. In fact, church often serves as a larger social hub than family, since the entire extended family typically attends every Sunday. In some rural areas, dating apps like Tinder are scarce, and church is where singles meet.
While some churchgoers are mostly there for the social scene, many are serious about their faith. If you’re not religious, keep this in mind and try to be respectful.
## Guns Are Commonplace
I’m not suggesting you must own guns, but they’re a regular part of rural life. Hearing gunfire in a city is alarming—people are close together, and there’s rarely a reason to shoot. In the country, gunfire might signal the start of hunting season or a family reunion.
Guns are integral to rural life. When it takes the police half an hour to reach your house, you want a way to protect yourself. If a predator threatens your animals, you want to be able to shoot it or at least scare it off. Hunting requires a gun. Euthanizing livestock often involves a firearm.
People shoot guns for fun, practice, and sighting in rifles for deer season. Some even enjoy blowing up Tannerite for entertainment. It can be annoying but usually isn’t dangerous.
However, some gun owners make poor decisions. A friend of mine accidentally shot birdshot at his uncle’s roof after firing a shotgun into the air. No one was hurt, but it wasn’t smart.
If you’re moving to the country for more firearm freedom, research local laws and talk to locals to gauge attitudes. In many places, hunting is limited to shotguns because flat land makes rifle fire risky. That’s less of a concern in Tennessee’s hilly terrain.
Again, firearm ownership isn’t mandatory, but it’s a useful tool. A simple .22 rifle or single-shot shotgun covers most needs. My grandmother kept a single-shot .22 on her wall for protecting her chickens.
If you decide to buy a gun, I strongly urge learning proper usage, maintenance, and storage. Tennessee’s hunter safety course and handgun permit class were invaluable to me, even though I’ve grown up around guns.
For more on firearms: Total Beginners Guide to Guns
## Strange Noises at Night Are Normal
Besides gunfire, country nights offer plenty of noises, punctuated by eerie silence. Scratches, howls, growls, and hoots are common. Most aren’t cause for alarm.
In the country, you share space with a whole ecosystem—possums, coyotes, rabbits, owls, raccoons, and more. Typically, these animals avoid you.
Humans can also create strange noises. Shortly after moving here, I woke at 1 AM to what sounded like circus music. Assuming it was a dream, I stepped outside. The music came from the woods, growing louder the longer I listened. I half-expected clowns in my yard. By the way, I’m terrified of clowns and half-asleep. I woke my wife to confirm I wasn’t hallucinating. She heard it too.
We listened longer and realized it was mariachi music. Neighbors host parties like this annually, and I no longer panic when it happens.
It’s normal to feel uneasy initially. Over time, you’ll relax and learn to differentiate strange sounds from normal ones.
## Establish Your Presence
There’s little to fear, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to fear. A harsh reality of rural life is exposure to the opioid epidemic and other addictions.
“Meth heads†are a significant problem here. At our old house, a family lived across the street. Windows were always open, lights always on, even in winter at 2 AM. After moving to the farm, I found a half-naked woman in our yard asking about my dog. “Yes,†I replied, “I’ll give the dog a treat,†then asked her to leave. That dog later disappeared.
Things vanished from our property. One night, we arrived to find a naked woman running through our yard. Odd in cities or suburbs, bizarre in cow country.
Even harmless neighbors might test you, happening every time I’ve moved to a rural area. Here, that meant drunk guys on side-by-sides peppering me with questions—like a redneck version of Jonathan Frakes. “Where do you go to church?†“How much for this place?†“Know a girl named Peggy?†One guy, so trashed he struggled to walk, let alone drive, pulled out a Ruger LCP and waved it around. I responded by pulling out my Glock 19 and handing it to him. That passed the redneck sniff test.
Before having kids, I might’ve laughed more of this off. I’m easygoing and used to weirdness. But with children, I feared my oldest might go missing—or worse. I had to establish that this small farm and its yard were our domain, and we weren’t to be trifled with.
After the dog vanished, I got a Great Pyrenees. Sadly, he died in a car accident before turning two, but in his short life, this massive dog aggressively tackled anyone entering my yard, including me. He was sweet but intimidating.
Another crucial step was installing game cameras. These infrared, motion-activated cameras are meant for deer scouting but double as home security. Once, I doubled over laughing at a photo of a trespasser staring into my camera, mouth agape. I sometimes forget to change batteries or SD cards, but their presence and visibility send a message: I’m watching, and I won’t be messed with. Word spreads.
Taking target practice in my yard probably helps. Strangers eyeing my property shuffled faster when bullets hit my gong.
Perhaps you think I’m a jerk, but this is sometimes necessary to establish yourself in the country. My kids play freely in the yard, my dog roams safely, and packages don’t vanish from my porch. Sometimes I forget to lock doors or leave storage building doors open, yet nothing bad happens because I’ve established myself as not easily pushed around.
I want to clarify: this shouldn’t justify acting like a psychopath. I don’t aim guns at people, threaten them, or sic dogs on them. I aim to be polite and friendly, but there are moments when I must assert I’m not a victim. Teddy Roosevelt said to “speak softly and carry a big stick.†The Andy Griffith equivalent is smiling big, being friendly, and sometimes cleaning a shotgun on your porch.
It’s smart to identify good neighbors and build relationships. Besides cows, we have the best neighbors, often warning each other of oddities in the area. There’s safety in numbers.
## You’ll Learn to Hate Ticks
All that said, I’d rather deal with meth heads than ticks. In summer, ticks are everywhere. Silent, sneaky, and capable of transmitting diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. You often don’t feel them crawling or biting, and they hide in hard-to-reach spots, like near your genitals. I sometimes pick up a tick just by stepping into my yard.
So, what can you do? Prevention isn’t foolproof, so focus on removal. Most ticks I pull off and either burn or wash down the drain, but if they embed themselves, I need stronger measures.
My tools are tweezers and rubbing alcohol. Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently pull straight out to avoid breaking the head. If it’s stubborn, an alcohol-soaked cotton ball helps. Disinfect thoroughly afterward, including your hands and tweezers.
An itchy bump after a tick bite is normal, but seek medical attention if you notice a rash or other symptoms for a preventive dose of doxycycline and a Lyme test.
For prevention, use insect repellents with picaridin or DEET. Essential oils and natural remedies don’t work against ticks. Consider treating clothes, tents, sleeping bags, and fabrics with permethrin, which lasts long and kills ticks before they bite. Be cautious around cats, but treated items are safe once dry.
Speaking of cats, treat your pets for ticks and check them regularly. Dogs, cows, and horses attract ticks.
One natural solution works: letting chickens or guinea fowl free-range. Both eat ticks, especially guinea fowl, which can consume up to 4,000 ticks daily. But free-range birds face predators and traffic risks. Guinea fowl are aggressive, adding more problems than solutions.
## Bad Smells Are Normal
Ah, fresh country air. No smog, just the pleasant scent of cow manure.
Wait, what?
The country has its share of unpleasant odors. To those of us raised around them, they’re comforting. But if you’re unfamiliar, you’ll need to adjust.
Cow manure smells better than chicken poop, which doesn’t travel far but is vile. Compost and sulfur water (smelling like a bean-eating contest) contribute to the aroma.
A nearby farm has this sign on their fence:
![A funny farm warning sign]()
Many other farms display similar signs. As funny as that sign is, it’s mass-produced for a reason. Moving to the country isn’t a new trend. Many city dwellers relocate here, are appalled by unfamiliar conditions, and cause problems for longtime residents.
Don’t be that person! Understand what you’re getting into and accept an adjustment period. To succeed, adapt your expectations and embrace new opportunities. I’d love to see more people move to the country and reduce dependency, but not at the expense of misery for everyone, including yourself.
## Stay Humble
Acknowledge that you’re effectively starting over in a strange place. City folks often move to the country subconsciously believing they have something the “yokels†lack. Recognize that they’re not yokels, and you have much to learn.
Rural people are used to being looked down upon and sensitive to condescension. Stereotypes about backward yokels date back centuries. Be humble about your new status and the fact that you’re a stranger in a strange land, and people will likely open up and help you.
Don’t forget why you left or are leaving the city. Locals will speculate about your reasons—crowded apartments during the pandemic, civil unrest, high taxes, traffic, etc. They know if where you came from was so great, you’d still be there. Hearing newcomers insult our state and praise San Francisco is almost a running joke. (By the way, I found San Francisco perfectly lovely when I visited.)
Sharing horror stories about city life can help locals feel better about their choices. We sometimes envy city life, so making us feel better about ourselves creates positive associations.
Respect and eye contact are expected in rural life more than in cities. Practice saying “please,†“thank you,†“yes sir,†and “yes ma’am.†These phrases go a long way when ingratiating yourself to country folks. Show respect, and you’ll likely receive it in return.
You’ll need that respect and help because much farm knowledge is hyperlocal. What works in Florida might not work in Arkansas, and what works in one part of your county might not apply where you live. No one knows more about growing vegetables in our area than my neighbor. We have different approaches, but I respect his expertise.
Finally, recognize that the people around you will influence you more than you influence them. Imagine a well-behaved child hanging out with a motorcycle gang. Would you think, “Wow, I’m so glad! My kid is influencing the gang� Of course not, because you know the gang will influence the child more. Jim Rohn famously stated that you’re the average of the five people you’re around most. Instead of trying to single-handedly change a community, consider how it might change you—and whether you’ll like the result in five years.
For more: COVID-19 food shortages? Get a CSA membership or your own chickens.
Many other farms display similar signs. As funny as that sign is, it’s mass-produced for a reason. Moving to the country isn’t a new trend. Many city dwellers relocate here, are appalled by unfamiliar conditions, and cause problems for longtime residents.
Don’t be that person! Understand what you’re getting into and accept an adjustment period. To succeed, adapt your expectations and embrace new opportunities. I’d love to see more people move to the country and reduce dependency, but not at the expense of misery for everyone, including yourself.
## Stay Humble
Acknowledge that you’re effectively starting over in a strange place. City folks often move to the country subconsciously believing they have something the “yokels†lack. Recognize that they’re not yokels, and you have much to learn.
Rural people are used to being looked down upon and sensitive to condescension. Stereotypes about backward yokels date back centuries. Be humble about your new status and the fact that you’re a stranger in a strange land, and people will likely open up and help you.
Don’t forget why you left or are leaving the city. Locals will speculate about your reasons—crowded apartments during the pandemic, civil unrest, high taxes, traffic, etc. They know if where you came from was so great, you’d still be there. Hearing newcomers insult our state and praise San Francisco is almost a running joke. (By the way, I found San Francisco perfectly lovely when I visited.)
Sharing horror stories about city life can help locals feel better about their choices. We sometimes envy city life, so making us feel better about ourselves creates positive associations.
Respect and eye contact are expected in rural life more than in cities. Practice saying “please,†“thank you,†“yes sir,†and “yes ma’am.†These phrases go a long way when ingratiating yourself to country folks. Show respect, and you’ll likely receive it in return.
You’ll need that respect and help because much farm knowledge is hyperlocal. What works in Florida might not work in Arkansas, and what works in one part of your county might not apply where you live. No one knows more about growing vegetables in our area than my neighbor. We have different approaches, but I respect his expertise.
Finally, recognize that the people around you will influence you more than you influence them. Imagine a well-behaved child hanging out with a motorcycle gang. Would you think, “Wow, I’m so glad! My kid is influencing the gang� Of course not, because you know the gang will influence the child more. Jim Rohn famously stated that you’re the average of the five people you’re around most. Instead of trying to single-handedly change a community, consider how it might change you—and whether you’ll like the result in five years.
For more: COVID-19 food shortages? Get a CSA membership or your own chickens.Mesh Back Chair,Mesh Back Office Chair,Mesh Chair Office,Mesh Task Chair
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