The coronavirus pandemic has generated a surge of interest in rural living and particularly in “survival retreat” properties. Many individuals are considering relocation for their families’ health and safety. The widespread experiences of bare grocery store shelves and statewide shut-downs have caused many people to reconsider their way of life. While daydreams of escaping to a tropical island may not be realistic, relocation to rural areas and smaller communities is an increasingly attractive option.
Many employees have been encouraged to work from home, and are discovering that they like it. They are seeing how easy it is to work from home, and the advantages that come with it. With high-speed internet available in even remote locations, the feasibility of remote work has gone up radically. Facetime, and phone and video meetings have reduced the need for physical presence, and will enable full time telecommuting for many more individuals.
The pandemic is also driving a shift in priorities as we see our own fragility and mortality. Sadly, many may see elderly relatives pass away because of this virus, and a lot of people will recognize their own mortality. It’s enough to make people reconsider what they really want in life, and to make the changes that they may have dreamed about but never put into action. A lot of people will say, “I’ve had enough of big cities. I’m not going through this craziness again. I’m ready to get out.”
People in urban areas and dense suburbs are experiencing the claustrophobia of being confined to their homes or apartments. In such densely populated areas, social distancing can only be accomplished by staying home, and staying indoors. In less populated areas, there’s ample opportunity for outdoor recreation and activity, while comfortably maintaining distance.
Ultimately, the collective memory of this pandemic may be ingrained in American culture for generations. Similar to the Great Depression of the 1930s and the way it reshaped the way that American people think, the coronavirus panic and the economic consequences will reshape the American outlook on life, society, societal interactions.
Moving During the Pandemic
Even in the midst of the pandemic, there is still the opportunity to move. For those leaving the big city, real estate markets are still strong, and interest rates are historically low. Those two factors will encourage a lot of people to move. The real estate industry is quickly making their own transition to work safely during lockdown orders. Property showings have gone virtual, or extra safety measures have been put in place. Signing, inspection, and appraisals are quickly moving online. So despite uncertainty, the real estate market is continuing on.
For people living in the suburbs and want to move to a rural area, they may be thinking, “Well, who’s going to want to buy my suburban place?” There are a lot of people in urban areas that consider the suburbs very lightly populated. There’s still opportunity to move on from suburban properties to rural properties, because there will be urban buyers that want to buy the suburban properties. If all you’re used to is the big city, a suburban area seems very lightly populated. And then there’s a lot of people who would be very happy to have a five acre property and consider that a lot of land. From a self-sufficiency standpoint, there’s a lot you can do on just one or five acres.
Getting Ready to Move
When making a move to a rural area you will need to look at this in terms of moving gradually rather than all at once. This might be as simple as choosing to rent in your new area for 6 months or a year, while you take your time to settle in in the new community. Or you might try living on five acres before buying a 40-acre property or large spread. Start by getting your feet wet with gardening, raising small livestock, and exploring the options available. Take it in baby steps, because there is a learning curve to all of those things.
As you develop any property, you’re going to be adding value to that house and land when you go to resell it. In addition to adding to the value of the property, it is the opportunity to add to your own skillset. When you decide to move to a larger or more remote property, you’ll be an expert at how to build a fence, how to hang a gate, and many other skills.
There is a learning curve, and you’ll get better at it with experience. For a lot of people, it’s best to try it out with a small property. It could be intimidating moving to a 20 or 40-acre place if all you’re used to is living on a suburban lot. If you’re still on a ¼ acre or less, you can still start building your experience with gardening, backyard chickens, or other urban homesteading projects.
The initial steps to make are to start transitioning to true remote work, or prepare for the necessary career changes. Free up your capital, and get your current property on the market, taking advantage of the many online and virtual options now available. Once you’ve got your finances and work lined up, identify your target location. Consider the economy, demographics, culture, lifestyle, and your personal connections. Take a look at the property listings here at SurvivalRealty.com, or elsewhere on the web. Then look to connect with a local agent to continue your search, either in person or from a distance. Many agents working in rural areas are well prepared to be your “boots on the ground” if your travel options are restricted due to the pandemic.
A New Community in a Pandemic
The main consideration for moving right now, in the middle of the current Covid-19 pandemic, is being considerate of your new neighbors, and abiding by social distancing guidelines in your new community. It’s not surprising that some states have considered restrictions on “out of state” travelers. To avoid sticking out, get a driver’s license for your new state of residence and new license plates for the county and state of their new residence as soon as possible.
Develop a mindset that says, “I’m here to learn. I’m here to adapt.” You are there to learn the local culture, not to try to superimpose “out-of-state” expectations on anyone. Don’t come in saying, “This is the way we did it where we lived before.” You need to learn from the locals, adopt the local culture, and do your very best to be helpful to your neighbors and pitch in. As the current crisis subsides, it will be time to get better acquainted, and show your interest in long-term connections in the community.
Relocation and Liberty
One thing has become very clear to people is the difference between metro areas and small towns and rural communities. While the vast majority of states have implemented stay-at-home orders, the most onerous enforcement is taking place in states like California and New York. In some communities, the pandemic has driven people to greater suspicion and fear, and in others to band together and look out for their neighbors.
Rural living will seem like a breath of fresh air for someone coming out of an urban area. You may be leaving a community neighbors are snooping on each other, and your local government is issuing citations to individuals simply enjoying the fresh air. In most rural areas enforcement of lockdown orders is more likely to be commonsense instead of heavy-handed. The size and mindset of a small town or rural community makes them much more resilient, and able to keep their human scale even amidst a pandemic.
There may be no better time to move than now. In the midst of uncertainty and upheaval, it may well be time to capitalize on the disruption we are already experiencing, and make a change that will provide a more peaceful lifestyle, healthier community, and sustainable future for your family.
Thanks to James Wesley, Rawles for his insights on this article.
