After the outbreak of COVID-19 and a series of urban crises, more people are looking to escape to the countryside:
- "Americans are considering moving to less populated areas to avoid coronavirus," according to the *New York Post*.
- "Escape to the Country: Why City Living Is Losing Its Appeal During the Pandemic," writes the *Wall Street Journal*.
- "The High Cost of Panic-Moving: Fleeing a big city because of the pandemic is a bigger gamble than it might seem," argues the *Atlantic*.
- "The pandemic is making people reconsider city living, trading traffic for chickens," says the *Washington Post*.
I get it. The country has its charm. But this isn’t a new trend. People have been fleeing cities for the countryside since the founding of the United States. In fact, Tennessee has long been a top destination for “refugees†from California. If the pandemic has made you consider leaving the city for greener pastures (and maybe more peaches), here’s some advice to help you make the transition smoother.
Unlike what you see in movies, country folks aren’t always hostile to outsiders. However, one recurring issue is when someone moves without understanding the local culture or lifestyle, ends up hating it, and can't afford to go back. Often, these people aren’t really looking to live in Tennessee—they just can’t afford California anymore. They try to recreate their old life without thinking about why they left in the first place. (This isn’t a new problem—comedian Tom Naughton joked about it over a decade ago.)
These so-called “California Karens†can be annoying, but it’s also frustrating to see people unhappy in rural areas. Before you move anywhere, here are some tips to help you adapt:
1. Do research about the area.
2. Visit as much as possible.
3. Talk to locals to understand daily life.
4. Learn about the culture and community.
Moving somewhere new will require some adjustment—and you’ll influence the place too—but you don’t want to end up in an environment that doesn’t fit your lifestyle.
If you’re planning to homestead, visit in different seasons to get a full sense of the climate. I recommend checking out *Escape the City: A How-To Homesteading Guide*, which will be available in December. While I’m usually cautious about Kickstarter projects, I’ve read an early draft of this book, and it covers homesteading in great detail. It also dives into the realities of rural life in a way most books don’t. Plus, the author started homesteading in his 40s in New England, so it's a good resource if that applies to you.
There’s a lot to love about the country: freedom, nature, fewer people. But there are downsides too. Before you make the leap, here are ten things you should know about rural life. My experiences come from my Southern roots, but I’ve tried to keep the advice as general as possible.
**Things are slower**
Country people are slow. Southern country people even more so. At first, that’s a draw for city folks. “We want to slow down,†they say. But in the country, you don’t get to choose when life slows down. Imagine checking out at a store and the cashier takes two or three minutes to count your change. Or driving around town and seeing people parked on the road chatting. These are real experiences, and they’re not uncommon. You might even get stuck behind a family of Mennonites in a horse-drawn buggy or a farm vehicle moving slowly down the road.
If you're used to a fast-paced life, this can be infuriating. Even I, who grew up in the country, often get frustrated by it. Country people think, talk, and do everything slower. Understand that this is part of the charm. Try to relax, take deep breaths, and embrace the pace. That’s why you moved, right?
**Services are minimal**
In the city, you’re used to convenience: trash pickup, police, fire services, fast internet, and clean water. In the country, things are different. Calling the police might mean being told to handle it yourself. If they do come, it could take hours. Fire departments might send a bill. We have one hospital, and it’s not the best. (Keep this in mind during the pandemic.)
You might find it hard to get a call back from businesses or government offices. Sometimes shops close unexpectedly because the owner is tired or has errands. Electricity can be unreliable. I remember going days without power as a kid, and even in rural New Hampshire a decade ago, many homes relied on wood stoves due to frequent outages.
**Country people are more conservative**
It’s true that, on average, country people tend to be more conservative than city dwellers. My theory is that city folks rely more on services and see big government as beneficial, while country folks are less dependent—or used to poor service—and often view government as unnecessary.
Of course, this varies by region. In Kentucky, for example, the political landscape looks very different from Tennessee. When moving, it’s important to research the area and understand the culture before you settle in.
**Hostility to outsiders can be a real problem**
There are stereotypes about rural people, and some are based on reality. Racism exists in rural areas, sometimes in more overt forms. There are communities where outsiders are met with suspicion or hostility. I’ve experienced this firsthand in certain towns.
However, if you approach with humility and respect, many communities are open to newcomers. Building relationships and showing willingness to integrate can go a long way.
**There is no “nightlifeâ€**
If you’re used to bars, clubs, and late-night activities, the country might feel like a wasteland. There are fewer social options, and many rural areas are more religious, with stricter views on alcohol. While there may be a small bar, the vibe is usually different from what you’re used to.
**Family and church take up everyone’s time**
In the country, family and church play a central role in social life. Friendships are often secondary, and people are busy with family obligations. This can make life lonely for singles, but it can also lead to strong community bonds.
**Guns are normal**
Firearms are common in rural areas. They’re used for hunting, self-defense, and recreation. If you’re moving for more gun freedom, be sure to understand local laws and how the community views firearms.
**You will hear weird noises at night**
Rural life comes with strange sounds—howls, growls, and mysterious noises. Most are harmless, but it’s normal to be paranoid at first. Over time, you’ll learn to distinguish between normal and unusual sounds.
**Establish your presence**
Rural areas can have challenges like drug problems or trespassing. It’s important to establish boundaries and build trust with neighbors. Having security measures like cameras or guard dogs can help, but it’s also crucial to be respectful and approachable.
**You will learn to hate ticks**
Ticks are a major issue in the summer. They carry diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Prevention and removal techniques are essential.
**Bad smells are normal**
Country life includes odors like manure, compost, and sulfur water. While these can be off-putting at first, they become part of the landscape.
**Be humble**
When moving to the country, it’s important to be open-minded and respectful. Don’t assume you know better. Rural communities value humility, respect, and tradition. Embrace the learning process and build relationships with your neighbors.
By keeping these points in mind, you can make a smoother transition and enjoy the benefits of rural life.
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