City Mouse or Country Mouse?

Trends reveal buyers seek the country life—but is it for you?

“You may have luxuries and dainties that I have not,” said the Country Mouse to the City Mouse in Aesop’s fable, “but I prefer my plain food and simple life in the country with the peace and security that go with it.”

Many buyers today relate to Aesop’s fable as the comforts of city life seemingly pale in comparison to the peace and simplicity of country living. 

Indeed, “Americans’ heightened preference since 2018 for living in a town or rural area is seen across demographic groups,” notes Gallup.

Gallup’s polling data reveal that at 2020’s end, 48% of Americans indicated they’d opt for a town (17%) or rural space (31%) versus a city or suburb. 

This reflects a shift from 2018 when 39% preferred such locales.

Now, the pandemic spurs the exodus as remote work takes hold--people seek space and can live farther away from the office.

The National Association of Realtors cites additional factors for growing interest outside urban areas:

·        Second homes for city dwellers with increasing desire for “convenient escapes”; and

·        Luxury properties flush with amenities may allow buyers to “live off the grid...”

But is the country life for you? 

Per farmhousevernacular.com, ask yourself these questions before following the trend:

·        Is it really a good idea?  Consider greater distance from stores, shopping, and entertainment.  “Country life is not city life with more space.”

·        Can you afford it?  Often, rural properties require different loan financing. 

·        How much maintenance work is required?  You’ll find fewer tradespeople to help, although “maintaining a rural property takes as much or as little as you want it to.”  Putting up that fence may be optional, but you may discover other greater maintenance costs.

·        Is this your forever home?  As you age, the rigors of country living can be challenging.

Aesop wrote, “In her sleep, the Country Mouse dreamed she was a Town Mouse with all the luxuries and delights of city life that her friend had described…”

Still, like many homebuyers today, the Country Mouse preferred her tranquil rural home.

Know what drives trends and adopt a futuristic view as you rank your homeownership priorities.

Are you a City Mouse or a Country Mouse?