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Urban vs Rural...thoughts?
I *may* have an opportunity to buy a house with a few acres right outside of a developed neighborhood. Literally, fancy homes on one street & the next street over (although not connected) is a dirt road with a few homes with several acres each. I grew up in the burbs. My brother & I went to our friends houses on our bikes through jr high when we were bored.
Our old neighborhood was great. We lived in a circle where all the kids played together and there were several my sons age. We haven't played with anyone in our new neighborhood in the year we've lived here, so I know there is no guarantee in the burbs.
I like the idea of privacy and land, but I'm concerned about my kids. Sure, there is plenty to do, but what about playing outside with your friends? Would we be doomed to playdates forever? If you grew up rural, what did you do/how did you handle this? Would we be bored? Is it a bad idea w/such young kiddos? Thoughts?!
Re: Urban vs Rural...thoughts?
I grew up in a neighborhood (on a cul de sac when I was very young and on a street with no outlet later) and loved that life. There were lots of kids my age on both streets and we all played together and all of the parents looked out for everybody else's kids and it was awesome. I have such fond memories of it, that it's hard to imagine raising my kids any other way.
FI, on the other hand spent most of his life in the country. His family lives on 10 acres and the closest town has a population of about 1,200. He admits that he didn't necessarily hang out with his friends after school much until he was driving age (though his sister had a friend who lived a street over and she could walk there if she cut across a neighbor's property), but there were other benefits like having lots of land to explore, having to rely on his siblings for company more, etc. He would love to raise our kids similarly.
I moved to the country a couple of months ago and we plan to stay in the house I'm renting for a couple of years (but kids are that far off). I knew I'd enjoy many aspects of more rural life, but I really, really love it. I'm definitely more open to the idea of raising kids in a rural setting as time passes. I still imagine that when it comes time to have kids we'll move back into the city.
That probably isn't very helpful, just wanted to share a couple of perspectives on the issue. It seems to me that if you like the house, the schools, the area, you should go for it. Since there is a neighborhood so close, you'd have the best of both worlds.
I grew up my younger years in a regular neighborhood and 4th grade on in a rural town. I've always had cousins that lived in farms, too. I'd say it really depends on your lifestyle and what's important to you. It sounds like there's a neighborhood nearby so there are probably kids in the neighborhood. In the country, there's much more to do outside. It's great if you like animals and want more room for pets. IMO, kids are more likely to be active (if you allow them to explore, etc.) I think rural life is great for kids and I wish more of the kids that I teach had the opportunity to experience it.
Having said that, I like the convenience of stores and entertainment being nearby. That's something to think about...Are you prepared to drive the distance to rent movies or pick up a dinner ingredient that you forgot? If you don't mind that and enjoy doing outdoor things then it might be for you.
GL!
I grew up on 3 acres, and everyone on my street had a couple to several acres as well. I had 4 best friends who lived on my street. We literally did everything together always growing up. Today as an adult, I am still friends with 2 of them and they are still my best friends. There was a row of 4 houses and all of us neighbors all still talk. Basically as a kid I was allowed to roam between my house and my friends house. I think I had a great experience growing up.
The one thing I can think of that was not a plus was internet/cable selection. Because my parents live in the "country" you can only get satellite and DSL internet. There is no time warner cable, no high speed internet, no ATT Uverse, none of that. So, that's just something to think about.
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