Should You Buy Urban, or Rural?

When it comes to location, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll have to make is whether to buy a property in an urban, or rural area. Luckily, Ottawa has a diverse variety of neighbourhoods and communities to choose from — allowing you to find a lovely place to settle down, no matter your preference.

Each setting offers a distinct lifestyle with unique opportunities. Understanding the differences will help you make informed decisions that meet your needs, preferences and goals in the long-term. In this blog, I will explore the advantages and disadvantages of urban and rural living, allowing you to evaluate which option suits your household best.

Urban Living

There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing an urban lifestyle.

• Convenience and Accessibility

Urban and suburban areas are known for their bustling life, vibrant economies and diverse job opportunities. Oftentimes, you’re a lot closer to many of the businesses, services and other amenities that you’ll need to access on a regular basis. This will substantially reduce your cost of living if you drive a gas-powered vehicle for your daily commute. With this convenience, however, also comes some light and noise pollution. The closer you live to main streets and major roadways, the more you will be affected by these factors.

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and a major hub for government, technology and many other innovative fields. Urban living will present you with numerous career opportunities across various industries, including government, technology, finance, and healthcare. The presence of multiple renowned post-secondary institutions and research facilities also contributes to a thriving job market.

• Events, Destinations and Experiences

It’s no secret — with such an incredibly diverse cultural mosaic, living in Ottawa offers a vibrant cultural scene no matter where you find yourself. Living closer to town gives you improved ease of access to art galleries, museums, theaters and a variety of events throughout the year.

• Higher Cost of Living

It’s definitely worth noting that the closer you get to bustling city life, the higher the cost of living will be. Location is an incredibly valuable asset when it comes to real estate, and sellers understand this when they price their homes.

Rural Living

Rural living is a great alternative to a bustling city life.

• Peaceful Environment

This lifestyle offers homeowners a peaceful and scenic environment. Surrounded by nature, you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and fresh air mere steps from your front door. If you prefer a close connection to nature and a serene atmosphere, rural areas provide ample opportunity for outdoor adventures and a tranquil lifestyle. Although it may go without saying, the further out you are, the more you’ll need to travel to get into town.

Rural areas will often provide you with a close-knit community and a strong sense of belonging. Neighbors tend to know and support each other, creating a tight bond over time.

• Lower Costs

As previously mentioned, location is an important factor in determining the price of a home or property. Given that rural locations are often further away from town, prices are often less steep as a result.

• Limited Accessibility

Living further away from the city may limit your immediate access to certain amenities. You may need to travel longer distances to reach shopping centers, healthcare facilities and other essential services. If you or someone you live with has specific accessibility needs, this is a very important aspect to consider.

Eager to explore what’s out there?

Hopefully this blog can help guide your thoughts towards an informed decision. If you have any questions about buying, selling or any other real estate topic, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. I’ll be glad to help you each step of the way.