How to Know if Rural Living in Washington State Actually Fits Your Life (Before You Buy Land or Acreage)
If you’re considering a move, it’s always important to think about how your new place will impact your lifestyle. This is especially true when you’re thinking about moving to rural Washington State. I’ve personally helped buyers move out to the country only to have them call a few years later hoping to move back into town. Here are the factors you should think about if you are planning to move to a more rural part of the state.
Everyone loves the idea of more space, maybe Mt. Rainier views, a garden and animals. While all of those are great benefits there is definitely a trade off especially if you are used to the creature comforts of living closer to the city.
One of the main complaints I get from clients who’ve made this move is drive time. I have clients that commute over an hour each way to work. That adds a significant amount of time on the road. Your drive to work isn’t the only factor either. You’ll want to consider the time it takes to grocery shop, get gas, go to doctor visits and handle all of your other day to day needs. If you’re used to quick and convenient (think Uber Eats) this move will definitely be an adjustment.
The other big adjustment is property maintenance. Properties that are on acreage or out of town usually have different (more) maintenance. Think wells, septic systems, fencing, gravel driveways, drainage and tree maintenance. Even simple maintenance items like a lightbulb swap become a bigger task when the nearest hardware store is an hour away. If you’re not handy (or willing to learn) then maintenance and repairs can become inconvenient and expensive quickly.
Another factor is internet. If you work from home, go to school or even just enjoy the occasional Netflix binge then good fast internet becomes a non-negotiable. Depending on your needs, finding that perfect rural property with great internet can be a bit like hunting for a unicorn.
You’ll also want to think honestly about your lifestyle and hobbies. Do you actually want to spend weekends mowing acreage, maintaining fences and caring for animals? Or do you mostly like the idea of it? There’s no wrong answer here, but rural living tends to work best for people who genuinely enjoy slower living, outdoor projects and a little more self sufficiency.
Weather can also feel different out in the country. Rural roads are often darker, less maintained and can become difficult during snow, ice or windstorms. Power outages are more common in some areas and being prepared becomes more important. For some people that feels cozy and worth it. For others it becomes stressful pretty quickly.
That said, for the right person rural living can be incredible. There’s something really special about quiet mornings, space from neighbors, watching wildlife out your window and having room to build the lifestyle you actually want. Many people move out to the country and never want to leave.
The key is making sure you’re choosing the lifestyle intentionally and not just falling in love with a pretty property online.
When I work with buyers looking for rural homes or land in Washington State, a big part of my job is helping them think through how a property will function for their actual day to day life, not just how it looks in photos. Sometimes that means confirming a property is the perfect fit. Sometimes it means realizing a different location or setup would make more sense long term. Both outcomes are valuable.
If you’re considering buying acreage, land or a rural home in Western Washington and want help figuring out what areas or property types might actually fit your lifestyle, feel free to reach out.