Moving from a fast-paced city to the countryside is a huge lifestyle shift.
It’s one that many people dream about, but few fully anticipate. The slower pace, open spaces, and close-knit communities sound appealing, but the reality of country living comes with its own surprises. Some changes are instantly refreshing, while others take a bit more adjustment. If you’re thinking about making the move, here are just some of the ways life changes when you move out of the city and into wide open spaces.
1. The silence is almost overwhelming at first.
One of the first things you’ll notice when leaving the city is just how quiet the countryside is. Gone are the constant sirens, traffic, and general background noise that city dwellers tune out without realising. At night, the silence can be almost eerie until you get used to it. Instead of the hum of buses and people, you’ll hear birds, wind, and the occasional distant tractor. It’s peaceful, but it can also take a while before it stops feeling unnervingly quiet.
2. Everything closes earlier than you expect.
In the city, you’re used to having 24-hour shops, late-night takeaways, and convenience at all hours. In the countryside, most shops close by 5 or 6 p.m., and your only late-night food option might be whatever you have in your fridge. Sunday trading hours can feel even more extreme, with many places shutting early or not opening at all. This means you have to plan ahead — there’s no popping out at 10 p.m. for milk unless you fancy a long drive. It’s a small adjustment, but one that quickly teaches you to be more organised.
3. The pace of life slows down, whether you like it or not.
City life is built around speed — fast transport, quick lunches, and packed schedules. In the countryside, things take longer, and people aren’t in a rush. Whether it’s waiting for a delivery, getting tradespeople out to fix something, or even just how long it takes to get anywhere, patience becomes a necessary skill. At first, this can feel frustrating, but over time, it becomes one of the biggest perks. The slower pace forces you to relax, enjoy the moment, and stop living life in a constant rush.
4. You suddenly have way more space.
One of the biggest perks of moving to the country is how much more space you get for your money. Gone are the tiny flats, shared walls, and constant noise from neighbours. Whether it’s a bigger house, a proper garden, or just more breathing room, the extra space makes a massive difference. But with more space comes more maintenance. Lawns need mowing, driveways need clearing, and suddenly, you understand why everyone in the countryside seems to own a shed full of tools.
5. Public transport becomes a distant memory.
In the city, you’re used to hopping on a bus, train, or tube to get anywhere quickly. In the countryside, public transport is either rare, unreliable, or completely non-existent. If you don’t drive, getting anywhere can be a challenge, and even if you do, you’ll probably be spending a lot more time behind the wheel. Running errands becomes an event rather than a quick trip. You learn to combine multiple stops into one journey because you won’t be “just nipping out” anywhere.
6. The night sky is actually breathtaking.
One of the biggest unexpected joys of moving to the countryside is seeing the stars properly for the first time. Without the light pollution of the city, the night sky is filled with stars, and on clear nights, it’s genuinely stunning. It’s something many people don’t realise they’ve been missing until they see it. Stargazing becomes an actual activity rather than just something you occasionally glance at. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that makes countryside living feel truly special.
7. Wildlife becomes part of your daily life.
City wildlife usually consists of pigeons, foxes, and the occasional bold squirrel. In the countryside, nature is everywhere. Deer might wander into your garden, birds are louder than your morning alarm, and foxes will absolutely steal anything you leave outside overnight. At first, it’s magical… until you realise that some wildlife can be a bit of a nuisance. From badgers digging up flowerbeds to wasps taking over outdoor spaces, sharing your environment with nature is a full-time reality.
8. People are noticeably friendlier.
In the city, keeping to yourself is the norm, and small talk with strangers is minimal. In the countryside, people say hello, wave at passing cars, and actually take the time to chat. At first, this can feel strange, especially if you’re used to avoiding eye contact with strangers. But over time, it’s one of the biggest perks. A friendly community makes life feel warmer and more connected, even if it does take a bit of adjusting.
9. Deliveries aren’t as simple as you’re used to.
City living spoils you with next-day delivery and multiple courier options. In the countryside, deliveries take longer, and finding your house can be a challenge for some drivers. If your home doesn’t have a clear address or is down a long track, expect plenty of “sorry we missed you” messages, even if you were home. Some areas even have specific drop-off points for parcels rather than door-to-door service. You quickly learn that patience (and very clear delivery instructions) is key.
10. The seasons feel more extreme.
In the city, winter means wet streets and occasional icy pavements. In the countryside, heavy snow can leave you stranded, strong winds can take out power lines, and summer heat feels stronger without tall buildings for shade. Every season feels bigger, which can be both beautiful and challenging. You learn to be more in tune with the weather and how it affects daily life. Suddenly, checking the forecast becomes a habit rather than just an occasional glance.
11. Shopping takes actual planning.
Source: Unsplash Gone are the days of popping to the corner shop whenever you need something. In the countryside, supermarkets might be miles away, and smaller local shops don’t always have what you need. Running out of basics like bread or milk can mean a long drive rather than a quick walk. Meal planning becomes more important, and keeping stocked up on essentials is a must. You quickly learn to keep a backup supply of things you’d never have worried about in the city.
12. DIY skills become essential.
Source: Pexels In the city, you can call someone to fix almost anything. In the countryside, waiting for a tradesperson can take a while, and many people prefer to fix things themselves. Whether it’s unblocking a drain, chopping firewood, or figuring out how to handle minor repairs, practical skills become more important. Even if you’ve never picked up a toolbox before, country life has a way of making DIY a necessity. You either learn fast, or find yourself calling in a lot of favours.
13. You appreciate the little things more.
With fewer distractions, less noise, and a slower pace, country life makes you notice things you used to overlook. A quiet morning coffee with a view, the smell of fresh air, or the sound of birdsong — these little moments feel more valuable when life isn’t rushing past you. At first, the adjustment can be a shock, but over time, many people find that the countryside offers a sense of peace that city living just can’t match.
