More people than ever before are moving to cities, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that cities are the best places to live. In many cases, people move not because they’re enchanted by the lure of the big city, but because that’s where the bulk of the jobs and other opportunities are based. For people that have a location independent job, or are entering their retiring years, the real estate landscape looks much different. Many people are deciding to leave the city before, and move to more rural areas.

If you’re beginning to think the same, take a look below, where we outline a few signs that it might be time to make the move.

The Air Is Getting Heavy

There’s a lot to love about living in the city, but there are some pretty obvious drawbacks. Because of the sheer number of people and the fact that we have a world that’s powered by vehicles, things can be a little noisy -- and that is putting it mildly. Perhaps of greater concern is the quality of the air. There’s a big difference between breathing deeply in rural areas and breathing deeply in the city. You’ll know straight away which is better for you!

You Want To Be Closer to Nature

We tend to think that we belong indoors, mostly because that is presented to us as normal. However, humans are animals, and we need to have a connection to the outdoors. Studies have shown that being surrounded by nature gives our mood a nudge in the right direction. But it’s difficult/impossible to find these natural spaces when you’re living in a concrete jungle. If you’re ready to move to a greener, more beautiful corner of the world, take a look at the listings from REMAX at the Lake. It’s usually only once you’re living in a natural area that you realize what you’ve been missing.

You Miss the Community Aspect

There’s a lot of people in cities, so you’d think there would be a strong sense of connection and human interaction. Alas, this isn’t always the case. While there are some city neighborhoods that have a stronger sense of community than others, overall you could say that cities aren’t places for getting to know the neighbors. That’s all different in rural areas, where you naturally get to know other people who live there.

Slower Pace of Life

We assimilate to our surroundings. Cities are fast-paced and chaotic, and it’s normal for people to become a little manic and fried after a while. If you’re looking to switch things up, then the slower pace of life that you’ll find in rural areas might be just what you’re looking for.

Children’s Playtime 

Finally, if you have kids, you might want them to grow up in a place where they can be free to explore and enjoy the outdoors, away from the many threats of the city. Spending time in the outdoors is fun for everyone, but children in particular get a kick out of it.