Top Things You Might Dislike About Rural Life That You Need to Know Before Moving to the Countryside

Some common dislikes about rural living include loneliness, excessive curiosity from neighbors, and a significant presence of wildlife like snakes. Let’s explore five aspects of rural life that may not be appealing!

Are you thinking about moving from the city to the countryside? You’ve probably heard a lot about the benefits of rural living, but you might not have a clear picture of the drawbacks. This article will help you gain a better understanding.

Specifically, according to the Admin, after three years of living in the countryside, there are five things to dislike about rural life. Of course, preferences vary from person to person; the following are just the Admin's experiences.

1. The Biggest Dislike: Lack of Amenities

I lived in the city for nearly ten years and became accustomed to a life full of conveniences. In the city, you can buy anything you need easily, and there are many competitive shops to choose from. In contrast, rural areas lack many of these conveniences.

To illustrate this point, I love drinking coffee. In the city, I had countless cafes to choose from. However, in the countryside, the number of cafes is very limited and often quite far from home. Moreover, rural cafes tend to offer a mix of services like dining, billiards, and smoking, which I find extremely unappealing.

Or to put it simply, there are no taxis, Grab, or Uber in the countryside. In urgent situations, using these services is nearly impossible. Although some locals with cars offer rides, their availability is unreliable compared to city services.

Additionally, the lack of amenities is evident in many other aspects, such as dining (limited breakfast options) and entertainment (no movie theaters).

2. The Most Annoying Aspect: Excessive Curiosity

One of the dislikes about rural living is the excessive curiosity of the locals. In the city, each household keeps its matters private, but in the countryside, it seems that everyone knows everyone’s business.

For instance, in the rural area where I live, if a couple has an argument, the entire village will know the next day. What’s more alarming is that it doesn’t stop at just knowing; people will discuss, criticize, and evaluate others’ morals and lifestyles. This is what I dislike the most.

For example, after deciding to move back to the countryside, I faced a lot of harsh judgment: “Why are these young people moving back to the countryside? They must not be ambitious! Isn’t life in the city better? What do they plan to do in the countryside?” 

Of course, it’s worth noting that this curiosity stems from a peaceful lifestyle. Because life is so tranquil, there’s a strong desire to gossip. Although they talk about others, it doesn’t last long, and they quickly forgive each other.

3. The Scariest Aspect: Snakes and Other Creatures

I love plants and animals, which is why I decided to move to the countryside. However, facing the reality of living in a garden teeming with uninvited creatures has made me fearful: snakes, mosquitoes, toads, centipedes, snails, leeches, bees, and countless other unnamed animals.

If you’re used to a spacious house in the city, this is one of the most unpleasant aspects of rural living. You’ll have to deal with various snake species: green snakes, water snakes, rice paddy snakes, and more. Additionally, there are larger mosquitoes and more flies. At night, swarms of insects come buzzing into the house attracted by the lights.

So what can you do to overcome this fear while living in the countryside? My answer is: accept the reality and use natural methods. For example, I researched what plants snakes dislike and planted those around my home. I also looked into what scents repel mosquitoes and planted flowers to limit their presence.

Gradually, I’ve become more accustomed to living with these animals. I’ve realized that most of them are harmless unless provoked.

4. You Might Not Like the Smells in the Countryside

One of the downsides of rural living that should be mentioned is the SMELL! Specifically, agriculture still dominates in rural areas, bringing with it a variety of fertilizer odors during the farming season.

Don’t be surprised to see slow-moving vehicles loaded with fertilizer barrels on the roads. If you live near chicken or pig farms, you will find the smell unbearable. Additionally, you’ll need to get used to the smells of water and local markets.

What’s needed is time! You need to spend a few months in the countryside to acclimatize to these odors. Ideally, when choosing a place to build your home, you should pick an area without nearby livestock farms.

5. Loneliness: You Might Dislike This Aspect of Rural Life

If you’re an extroverted person who enjoys a lively atmosphere, rural life might not be for you. Loneliness is considered one of the most disliked aspects of living in the countryside.

In the city, you’ll find vibrant nightlife and community events happening every weekend. In the countryside, by 9 PM, every house has its lights out and is quiet. Furthermore, there may only be one restaurant nearby, or you might not be able to enjoy certain activities you love because there aren’t any venues or people with similar interests.

Of course, for many, this is a precious gift. They appreciate nature, tranquility, and introspection much more, making rural life a valuable experience.

Among the dislikes mentioned about rural life, what do you find most disagreeable? Do you prefer living in the countryside or the city? Why did you decide to move back to the countryside?

Written by My Garden