Moving from the city to the country can be a big change but also an exciting and rewarding experience.
If you’re considering making the move to rural South Carolina, there are many factors to consider, from zoning regulations and local quirks to amenities and infrastructure.
In this expert guide, we’ll take a closer look at what you need to know to make a successful transition to country living in South Carolina. From budgeting to gardening, we’ll cover it all to help you prepare for your new way of life.
Rural South Carolina – Do Your Research
The first thing you’re going to want to do is do some research into the town or area in rural South Carolina that you are interested in. Check up on things like zoning regulations, community events, and the climate of the region.
Generally, rural South Carolina is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Although specific regions may have their own microclimates, the overall weather is pleasant with warm summers and mild winters. The many lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic countryside are full of opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors like hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Zoning regulations and building permits are important to research if you intend to build your own home or get into constructing your own sheds and outbuildings as part of your outdoor projects. If you’d like to get into hobby farming, you should also research the regulations around keeping certain kinds of animals and how many of each animal you can have on your property.
Every community has its own quirks and it’s best to have some idea of these before you make your move. Consider speaking to real estate agents and attending local events to get a better idea of the tone and style of the town to ensure that it will be a good fit.
Check out the local amenities like shops, restaurants, schools, medical facilities, and parks. You’ll want to evaluate how far away they are from the area you are researching and whether or not they suit your taste.
Crunch the Numbers
Another top tip to take before moving is the importance of making a good budget. Moving from the city to the country brings the big cost of living changes and can carry its own share of surprises.
Firstly, find the area’s cost of living. Websites like this one, are a great option for getting data on specific regions in South Carolina. It’s very likely that food, transportation, and other expenses will be significantly more affordable in a rural area.
However, you will need to consider some of the unexpected costs of living in the country like repairs or the need for well-drilling and septic system installation. If the home you are looking at will need these systems repaired or replaced, be sure to factor that into your budget.
Additionally, consider grants and incentives that you might be eligible for. If you are a farmer or small business owner, you may be able to get access to financial grants that can offset the costs associated with your rural move.
Finally, be flexible when it comes to money and lifestyle. Your new rural life can bring many opportunities if you remain willing to try new things. For example, gardening can be a great way to save on food costs.
Prepare To Adapt To A New Way of Living
The third tip we want to highlight is the need to mentally prepare yourself to adapt to a new way of living.
One of the first things you’ll realize when you make your move is that more things are different than you expected. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do ahead of time to help reduce the number of surprises.
- Prepare for emergencies – In rural areas, emergencies can take longer to respond to, so it’s important to be prepared. Keep a stockpile of emergency supplies on hand and consider factoring an emergency power generator into your budget. Also, keep a couple of gallons of gas on hand in case you ever need to leave in a hurry.
- Plan for a garden or other outdoor projects – Gardening can be a great way to get fresh produce while also connecting to your new surroundings. If you are going to garden, evaluate ahead of time the crops that grow best in your area. Outdoor projects are healthy, help you appreciate your property, and can be a great way to make your home uniquely yours.
- Check up on the infrastructure – Before you make your move, do some research into internet access and phone service in your area. Few areas have access to fiber optic internet and some of the other amenities of city life so you will need to know what kind of speeds and connectivity you can expect.
- Consider transportation – In rural areas, transportation can be a challenge. Make sure you have reliable transportation and plan for longer commute times. Additionally, consider how the weather of the region is likely to impact your transportation.
- Stay Open-Minded – Ultimately, the rural lifestyle is going to be different from what you’re used to. There may be different customs, cultures, and ways of doing things that you will need to adjust to. Being open to new experiences and ways of living will help you to appreciate and enjoy your new surroundings.
Hire A Professional Moving Service
Our final tip is to work with a professional moving service like Smooth Move. Don’t make the same mistake that so many others make when they think that DIY moving is the best way.
Our moving service provides the expertise, manpower, and equipment you need to ensure that your move to rural South Carolina goes smoothly and efficiently.
From packing and loading to transportation and unloading, a moving service can handle all aspects of your move, allowing you to focus on settling into your new surroundings.