I have lived in our near the city and largly populated areas my whole life. My DH came to me the other day and asked if I'd like to one day move to a country area. Within his job, he has the opportunity to move to remote locations for a minimum of 3yrs. This would entail us being given a house to live in almost for free (may need to pay a small amount like $50 a week rent). That would mean that I could be a SAHM full time and we could rent out our unit here and get some 'extra' money. I also think it would be a lovely opportunity for my kids to have a different lifestyle for a while. But I would be moving away from everything I know. My family, friends the area I have lived in my whole life. I would probably be several hours away from any kind of support.
So has anyone done this? Did you like it, regret it, love it and stay......what would the considerations be do you think? Other than the support thing, is there anything else? I like the idea of something different, but it scares the crap out of me to think I would be all alone in the world! (Aside from DH and the kids).
as for moving to small towns cant say I have moved to small towns but have moved from Melbourne/Sydney to Darwin Cairns and soon to be moving to Mackay from Melb.... now dont get me wrong I know these places arent small but they are regenal towns and compare to Melb and Syd...
we have been back in Melb for 12mths and its just too big I dont find the people friendly at all they all seem very closed off, but when I have lived in Cairns / Darwin ( and I hope Mackay will be the same ) that if you make the effort then if can be wonderful... But just know that it can take sometime for the locals to warm up expacally if they know your DH is in a job where you could move again then they kinda get sick of trying with the new girls...iykwim...
if you know that you could move away again in 3 years if you dont like it, then I would do it, its only 3 years which would mean you could be a sahm and be able to join playgroup and swimming so you will have pleanty of chance to make new and maybe long life friends...
I moved to Port Hedland for my hubby and I hated it!!! The closest big set of shops was Karratha. Let me tell you, as a city girl who's used to shopping whenever, having to drive 2hrs for a simple shopping spree sucks. I told him I'd move to a country town but only one that is big enough to have alot of shops!!!!
I grew up in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and lived inner city for a few years before we moved onto DH family farm.
Admittedly it took a while for me to get use to it. I didn't (and still don't) know many women out here aside from MIL friends who are all much older and Pam whom I met on here. I found it isolating and lonely for about a year.
Now I couldn't leave, I love the openess and the isolation funnily. I love the clean air, the no traffic, the wildlife. It does have its downside like having to drive everywhere (no more sneaking to the shops for chips hehehehe) but there is a freeness to country living.
You'll be in a different boat because you have children already so there you already have room to meet new people through the kids.
Occasionally I miss the convenience of the city but thats all I miss
best of luck making the decision it'll be worth the move i think
Lol - you took the words out of my mouth Everchanging
I'm a cop and moved to the country for work - and I loved it. I was 23 at the time and found a great social network - not just of other police, but as I'm a fitness instructor I started working at the local gym too and made heaps of non police friends too...
I think it really depends on the size of the community - I went from Adelaide, to a town of 18,000 - and then loved it so much I went to a township of about 1,000 - and loved that just as much!
I only returned to Adelaide as the next posting I wanted was there.
I would certainly consider returning to the country one day - not too remote though
Depends on where it is. There is remote and then there is remote!!! In a small town (about 3000) without too many *issues* it is usually friendly but it takes a while to fit in. More than 5000 gives you more options with getting to know people and more connections to your husbands work
If you belong to a church it often creates connections quicker, as do the children. My family are 5-6 hours away in different locations and my sister has more support in her local community than I do in Sydney. On the other hand, she is 150km from decent shopping and 100km from a *bigger* supermarket like IGA. It really does depend on what your personal interests are.
If you have any more specific questions ask or PM me for specific rural locations. My connections run far and wide, both in the job and out
This was a long time ago but we moved from city to country when I was 15 for my father's job. It was pretty much the same deal as you, house was owned by the company and they paid very little to rent it. It took a LONG time for my family to adjust but we did move to a very remote area where the nearest shop was a 30 min drive. My mum is a teacher and found it difficult to get work but we did move at the time when primary schools were being closed and teachers were offered 'packages'. My brother and sister were in primary school so it was a little easier for them. I missed things like being able to jump on a train and go where ever I wanted to go and I couldn't have friends over after school becuase we lived so far away. I hated living here with a passion and always vowed I'd move back to the city but when I had kids of my own I realised this was a fantastic place to bring them up so I stayed. Now, almost 20 years later I absolutely love 'small town living' and would never go back to the city.
hi there!
yep we did it.
Moved from Brisbane to a town near airlie beach qld (population 4000).
Loved it!! loved it loved!!!
New no one! had my first baby there with no family.
But i found the small town had a real 'village' easy to make friends and networks who looked out for you!
however was sooo expensive to live we had to move back to brisbane last year so i could get work (work was scarce up there - and i am in a profession you would assume would work anywhere easily!)
Anyhow we are leaving again in 5 weeks to the coffs coast in NSW (population 60000).
Cant wait! this time with 2 babies in tow and no family or friends.
BUt we love the rural / semi rural lifestyle and would love to stay permanently!
Have you moved from city to country?
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