What kind of country dweller are you?

There are many ways to make a life for yourself away from the city – work out what type of country living is right for you

The Weekender
Love the countryside but can't let go of the city? Weekenders get the best of both worlds - the buzz of metropolitan life during the week balanced by the fresh air and relaxing pace of the country from Friday to Monday. Unfortunately, weekenders are sometimes unpopular with locals who can be priced out of the rural housing market by second-home owners.  
Top tip Frequent the village pub and start making friends.

The Commuter
City living lost its sheen but you can't give up the day job? You often get more house and garden for your money when you sell up in the city and buy a rural property, so it's no surprise that commuting is a favourite among growing families. However, it also means a lot of travel time. Are you really prepared to add hours onto your working day?
Top tip Buy near a rural station so you can work on the train.

Village life and soul
If your idea of heaven is a close-knit community and even closer neighbours, village life can be a great source of support, social life and friendships. For some people, however, it's just too claustrophobic and intrusive.
Top tip Resist any urges to divulge every piece of personal information to your new neighbours - you may find your private life counts as local news.

Off the beaten track
Want total peace and seclusion?  Then forget village life and head for the hills. You don't have to be in the middle of nowhere -but far enough away to feel that it's just you, nature and no one else. Remember that somewhere this remote might not have a shop or pub in walking distance - life without a car will be difficult.
Top tip Invest in an off-road vehicle - you'll find you really need it come midwinter.

Rural realities
Almost 40% of people in Britain who swap city for country end up moving back after misjudging the reality of rural life.
Noise Tractors, cockerels and seasonal shooting - who said anything about the quiet life?
Smell Don't kick up a stink - agricultural smells are part and parcel of rural living.  
Isolation Boredom, loneliness and lack of entertainment - find hobbies and be more sociable.
Crime Rural people are less at risk from crime but fear of crime is actually higher in the country.
Social mix Though the majority of country dwellers are still white, middle-aged or older, the largest single age group is now 35-39 year olds. The few rural ethnic minorities are mainly in central and south-east England.
Lack of facilities Want a Mars bar at midnight? Forget it. You'll have to travel a distance for more than basics. Broadband, taxis, takeaways and supermarket deliveries can also be hard to come by in remote areas.
Cheaper living Many rural commuter belts are now more expensive than city homes. Rural dwellers spend more on travel than their urban counterparts.
Health Life expectancy and health are better in rural areas but GPs, chemists and hospitals tend to be further away.

Why it's all worthwhile
Having second thoughts? Don't forget all the reasons you want to make the move in the first place: breathtaking views, rustic cottages, wildlife on your doorstep, traffic-free roads, a slower place of life, fêtes and festivals, real pubs, clear starry skies and bags of fresh air.

Directory

• Countrylovers.co.uk Useful information for anyone visiting, living or working in rural Britain www.countrylovers.co.uk

• The Countryside Alliance Campaigns to protect the rural way of life and country sports 020 7840 9200 www.countryside-alliance.org

• Countryside Recreation Network Agencies across the UK and Ireland with an interest in countryside and related recreation issues. Sign up to its quarterly journal 0114 225 4494 www.countrysiderecreation.org.uk

• Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Information and advice on rural policy, food production, farming, the environment and other countryside matters 0845 933 5577 www.defra.gov.uk

• NFU Countryside One of the foremost online resources for rural issues in the UK, featuring current rural issues, regularly updated news, countryside events, attractions and related topics 0870 840 2030 www.countrysideonline.co.uk

• The Wildlife Trusts Conservation charity dedicated to preserving the UK's native habitats and species. Campaigns to protect wildlife 0870 036 7711 www.wildlifetrusts.org

• The Woodland Trust The UK's leading conservation charity for the protection of our native woodland heritage 01476 581135 www.woodland-trust.org.uk

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