John Adams once wrote, “I long for the rural and domestic scene, for the warbling of birds and the prattling of my children.” Such are the romantic notions of rural life; being surrounded by the beauty of nature while enjoying the easy pleasures of meaningful time spent with family. There is a certain spiritual serenity that nature provides, a sort of nourishment for the human soul that is found among the simple graces of a rural landscape.

Why does the rural way call to the spirit of some? Those who choose this way of life as opposed to city living often have a similar set of values pertaining to what they consider important in life. For the rural dweller, the virtues of country living are plenty. There is a satisfaction in the slower, more leisurely pace of days. There is a sense of well-being that is gained from the purposefulness of a simple country existence, away from the everyday stresses and complexities of city living.

Open spaces offer great privacy. With the nearest neighbor often being a mile or two away, there is no chance of crowding or constant human annoyance. Large property areas offer ample room for gardens and trees, playing children and pets. Rural communities are clean. The air is free from smog and chemical pollution, as well as noise and visual pollution. Nighttime offers brilliant views of stars not seen within the limits of city lights.

In terms of neighborhood community, the rural lifestyle offers a cooperative spirit and feelings of security that are rarely found in a crowded city. People know one another and look out for each other. Children are safer and are free to revel in the outdoors; there are trees to climb, fields to run in, rivers to swim in, and the kids can be as loud as they like.

Another great advantage of rural life is that there are more opportunities for personal involvement within the community. Because of this, residents have a greater chance of their opinions and views being heard and considered. This allows each resident a feeling of control over their immediate society. In rural communities, your voice is heard and your opinion counts.

In contrast to those who live and work in a city, rural work-life tends to be more physically oriented. Rural folk have made the conscious choice of a more self-sufficient lifestyle, leaving behind many modern conveniences that an urban life affords. They pride themselves in their self-reliance and resourcefulness, providing for themselves by way of gardening and farming instead of relying on the conveniences of modern coffee shops and mega grocery stores. There are no convenience stores, department stores or fast food restaurants. Because there are fewer opportunities to spend money, materialism is an unfamiliar concept. As for recreational activities, most center on the regional landscape. Families enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking and observing wildlife. There are no pulsing nightclubs. Backyard parties with bonfires or fireworks are commonplace.

Finally, one of the very best benefits of a rural life is the closeness found within families. In rural areas, family roots run deep. Because of the gentle pace of life and great amount of time spent together, family members appreciate and support one other, and there is closeness between the elder and younger generations that is not interrupted by the interference of a busy urban lifestyle.