Coast vs Countryside
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, with hybrid and remote working much more common on an ongoing basis for millions of people, moving from large towns and cities to somewhere a bit less populated is no longer just an option for the retired or the very rich.
If you’re planning a move to a rural or coastal area, what kind of considerations should you look at for each option? We take a look at some of the things you might want to take into account before making a decision on where to look for your next home.
The pros and cons of moving to the coast
As an island, the UK has thousands of miles of coastline, and there are plenty of benefits when it comes to coastal living. These include:
Lots of opportunities for involvement with water sports
Beaches – for relaxing and occasional (it is the UK after all) sunbathing
Lots of tourist attractions that locals can enjoy too
Plenty of options when it comes to eating out and entertainment
Potential health (physical and mental) benefits from sea air, a different pace of life and more regular physical activity
As with any location choice, there can be some downsides too, although these will depend very much on personal preference as to how important they are to any individual, family or household. They may include:
Higher property prices in popular coastal areas
Crowded at peak tourist times of the year
Some venues and facilities close during the off-season, meaning locals can’t take advantage of enjoying them at these times
The coastal weather (higher winds, salty air) can mean properties and other things kept outside can need more maintenance than they would inland
Potential flood risk, depending on the area
The pros and cons of moving to the countryside
Waking up to birdsong and looking out of the window to see green fields and rolling hills is the dream for many. Some of the benefits of countryside living include:
Slower pace of life than urban living
Often lower costs of living day to day than cities
Great views and nearby countryside walks
More peace and quiet in comparison to urban living
Increased connection to nature, known to be beneficial to mental health
Lower population often means a greater sense of community for rural residents
Getting more space (often both indoor and outdoor) for your money when buying property (especially in areas outside popular commuter belts)
While this might sound perfect so far, there are some potential cons to country living too, which could include:
Fewer options when it comes to most things that city-dwellers take for granted e.g. shops and services open all hours, choices when it comes to schooling or higher education, health and dental care, entertainment outside the home etc.
Properties come to market less often, so demand can outstrip supply when you’re looking to buy a home in the countryside
May not be connected to utility services such as gas and mains sewerage or might have poor internet service and a lack of other options
Not as easy to get around, especially in winter or if relying on public transport
What some people see as a disadvantage, may actually be a selling point to someone else, because we all have different preferences and reasons for wanting to move to the coast or countryside.
If you just can’t decide between the two, there are plenty of regions in the UK which have stunning countryside AND beautiful coastline nearby, so you can get the best of both worlds. North Wales is an example of this, with mountains, forests and many areas of natural beauty and beaches galore.
If you’re looking for a new home away from the hustle and bustle of the city, we have plenty of options that could suit you in Flintshire and the surrounding areas. View our properties for sale today.
