Here are a few things you should consider.
1) Internet is Everything
Many houses and farms do not have internet connections. A friend who lives very close to Charlottesville does not. My neighbors a mile down the road from me do not. It is critical. Get proof that the property has DSL. If not, you won't be able to telecommute and no Netflix. Cell phone coverage should also be considered. Your options will likely be limited.
2) Maintenance
Farms with acreage require constant mowing. Hiring someone to mow is not cheap. If you work full-time you won't have time to do a ton of mowing in the spring and summer months. Consider property with land that does not need to be mowed or properties that are on less acreage. Country properties also get dirty and dusty. It takes more time and effort to keep a country house clean.
3) Equipment
You'll need equipment for a country property that you may not think about - a chain saw (when the storms take down the trees, and they will), a good lawn mower or small tractor, a truck, a generator. Most farms are on wells and if you lose power you lose water so you'll want a generator, built in if possible.
4) Consider the Schools
If you have children you'll need to consider the quality of the local school system. In my area, the schools are not strong. Consider home schooling or a local private school.
5) Consider Your Neighbors
In a rural area, you may find yourself next to farms. Farming laws are very lax in Virginia. A farmer can pollute your land, your water, your air and there is nothing you an do about it. Make sure you have buffers around you to protect your own property and property values long-term.
6) Consider Flooding
With climate change the storms are getting more frequent and more intense. Flooding is becoming more common. If a property has flooded in the past 100 years, consider that it could easily flood again. You may also have difficulty getting insurance if a property has flooded in the past.
7) Consider County Government
Counties are often governed by Supervisors who are elected every few years. Do not assume that a particular locality is well-governed. Do your homework in this regard.
Taking all of these issues into account, I expect that there will be some level of escape to areas with more land, more open space, a better quality of life, especially as we see more pandemics, more viruses that mutate and create havoc in our lives. Here are a few properties in Virginia, just for fun!
Stay put! Stay safe!
Oh, the last thing I want is city dwellers moving to the country. It happened when I lived in Virginia and it was happening up here in NH...the city dwellers who come up here want every amenity they had in the city... They want to change everything so they can live like they used to, except with more trees.
ReplyDeleteA few other things, especially up here in NH.. Winters can be brutal.. You may find yourself driving to work with 4" of snow on the ground if the crews haven't gotten to the roads yet.
Seasons: more than 4.Mud Season.. in between Winter and Spring. We also have black fly season (gnats with fangs) mosquito and deer flies (nasty fast buzzing creature which bite.
Also, wildlife.. Deer, turkeys, BEARS (yes, lots of them) fisher cats (another lovely creature who feasts on cats) and coyotes.. And you live with THEM, not the other way around..
Ann, the country life is not for everyone. It can be tough, especially when you have to start shoveling snow off your roof because there's 12" on it and it compromises roof integrity.
When i lived in VA, we had 2 floods in one year from the Shenandoah in a 100 year flood plain...Lol Those who understood country life just dealt with it.. The city dwellers whined, and was so afraid...
Some people aren't meant to live in the country. And if they all come out, it would no longer be the country...
Totally agree!
DeleteI have also wondered about the flight of urban dwellers seeking safety in rural areas. If anything, the pandemic has shown us that cities such as New York are over populated to put it mildly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of Ann Marie's comments. Regarding farmers, I'd like to point out that farmers often live on their property. They seek to enhance land and water and be able to pass it down to the next generation. Usually there are children and grandchildren learning about the farm and enjoying it as well. Farms are often there before folks from non agrarian backgrounds move in, and those moving in may not be aware of usual odors, dust, or noises.
Feeding people is a humble profession, let's not forget the sacrifices farmers make (7 day workweeks, no set hours) I truly believe that farmers are the original environmentalists.
Ashley, the farmers where I live as a general rule treat the land and their animals like dirt. It is sad to see it. Your exposure has certainly been different than mine.
ReplyDelete