Tag Archives: environment

a suburban neighborhood

The Differences between City, Suburban, and Rural Living

Every person in the world has a different opinion when it comes to urban and countryside lifestyles. Some would never give up the city amenities, no matter the financial burden and health threats that kind of life imposes. Others who experienced country life say that getting away from the city where you wake up to the sound of birds instead of traffic noise has no price. Still, there is a third option for those who are a part of both of these worlds – the suburbs. Each of these has many benefits and some downsides. Knowing the differences between city, suburban, and rural living can help you find where you belong if you’re starting to reconsider your living conditions.

Life in rural areas

Life in the countryside is a dream come true for anyone who wants to get rid of stress and anxiety induced by big-city survival. Rural living includes life in the open, spread-out areas and small communities. There is a lot of undeveloped lands, usually surrounded by magnificent nature.

This lifestyle is a choice of people who enjoy close-knit communities, where everyone knows each other. You get to enjoy the vast space, lovely views, healing nature. This is the perfect choice for people in search of more sustainable ways of living. With a bit of gardening and farming skills, you can provide for yourself and your family and perhaps even start a small business. In addition, the peace, quiet and clean air makes it perfect for those working remotely.

Since Virginia offers majestic nature, many young families and retirees decide to move to local counties. Besides the obvious health benefits of clean air and a stress-free environment, they provide a lower cost of living and much more affordable housing.

Countryside in Virginia
Magnificent woods, lakes, rivers, and trails could be at your disposal if you move to the countryside.

The downsides of living in the countryside

Even though countryside residents have many health and financial benefits, there are some downsides. One of them is the commute issue. If you don’t work close to your home, you’ll need to drive to work in the city. Even though some rural areas such as Orange County are less than 30 miles from Charlottesville, which makes the commute to work bearable, not all places have the same luck.

In addition, local shops and amenities can be found only in the strict village center. Thus, you will need to stock up on food and supplies to avoid driving to town anytime you need something. That means that families usually need more than one car to get around. Also, with fewer amenities, you have fewer available services. Not being used to this occurrence can be hard if you’ve moved from the city to the countryside. However, living in rural areas makes you resilient and craftier. After you get used to such living, you’ll eliminate the need for many things.

Suburban life

There are clear differences between city, suburban, and rural living, including housing costs, development patterns, and population numbers. However, the difference between suburban and city lifestyles was never clearly defined. Finding the perfect home in a suburb is a choice of many growing families, young professionals, and retirees searching for a slower pace and more affordable cost of living. The benefits of such a lifestyle are many since you get to live peacefully and more comfortably. Plus, the commute to work isn’t as daunting as when you live in the countryside.

A house in a suburban neighborhood
Suburban lifestyle, no matter how convenient, may often lack green surfaces and have nearly the same living costs as the city does.

The good and bad side of being “in-between”

Life in the suburbs is different from city life due to a slower pace and more affordable housing. Still, a suburb is considered a subset of the city. There is no official definition for it. It’s not a central part of the city, nor is it a town of its own. Some suburbs share some country-like living amenities, but still, they are not the countryside either. The cost of living is very similar to that in cities, and since cities are constantly growing and expanding, places around them are often modified with new buildings construction.

It’s safe to say that cities are slowly swallowing the suburbs, making them closer to the core. This is a good and a bad thing since you will be a homeowner in a competitive market. Still, everything you were trying to avoid while living in the city will eventually catch up with you. However, if you’ve tasted the suburban life and you need more action, maybe the city is something worth considering. Since most moving companies provide their services to wider areas, a transfer to the city from the suburbs is not something you should worry about.

City lifestyle

Needless to say that cities are the centers of happenings. They are densely populated hubs of industries, cultures, and politics. There is no better place for work opportunities, education, social and cultural life, and thousands of other amenities. Often you will hear that cities have a life of their own, that they never sleep, and that is true. They are the places where everything is happening, where progress takes place and dreams come true. Still, achieving those dreams is not always easy.

Busy streets of Richmond, VA
One of the perks of living in the city is the fact that you can get almost everywhere on foot.

Life in the city takes its toll

Even though life in the city can give a lot, it takes the same. To sustain in such an environment, you have to work very hard and overburden yourself with life’s many stressful factors. Daily traffic jams, rush, ever-emerging bills, limited living space, polluted air, lack of green surfaces, high costs of living, and many other small things add up to a substantial overwhelming worry. For example, for the price of a tiny apartment in NYC, you can get two beautiful homes in the countryside. This change can help you get the home of your dreams and a passive income. Even with the recent fluctuations in the housing markets worldwide, investing in real estate is always a great idea.

City life eats your money, and you can never earn as much as you can spend. No wonder if you feel a sudden rush to run away from it all. You don’t have to make a radical change and move to the countryside, but you can try living in the suburbs for a while. Even though the moving process takes a lot of time and preparation, you can still get everything ready in 7 days if you develop a good strategy.

Conclusion

Leaving the city would certainly make you healthier. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’d be happier. Country life is not for everyone – you have to be ready for it. The urge to get away is becoming more frequent with young Newyorkers who are moving to the countryside looking for sustainable ways of living. Others, however, find it hard to let go of all the city amenities. In addition, for some, the move is a financial necessity or comes with age. Still, it’s essential to know your options when the time comes to change directions. Whether you decide to focus on your career, family, or eco-friendly lifestyle, understanding the differences between city, suburban, and rural living can help you turn your life around.

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Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Guide for New Yorkers Buying a Property in Virginia

One of the main reasons to move to Virginia is the great quality of life.

If you’re thinking about moving from New York City and buying a property in Virginia, you’re not the only one. A lot of New Yorkers are starting to look for a property in Virginia, and there are a lot of reasons why. One of them is an excellent offer of available jobs. Another is the high numbers of educated people in Virginia. People come to Orange County similar places to start a career and enjoy all that Virginia has to offer. Quiet and crowd-free beaches are a perfect spot to spend your Sunday afternoon at. Similarly, if you’re moving there with kids, you can be sure that there would be a lot of activities to do, like going to amusement parks or museums. 

If you want to find a good job, move to Northern Virginia. 

Since Northern Virginia is close to Washington D.C., you might want to consider buying a property there. This location is great when it comes to job opportunities and building your career. That’s because a lot of companies are moving into Northern Virginia, meaning that there will be and already are plenty of hiring opportunities for job seekers. If you’re trying to find a job in the government or technology, you’ll see that there are a lot of government agencies and IT companies there. Similarly, if you’re looking to open your own company and need suitable office space, there sure are plenty to find in Northern Virginia. Plus, you’ll be close to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. 

Some other things that Northern Virginia has to offer to New Yorkers are gorgeous mountain views, nature preserves, and spots for camping. New York, on the other hand, is a busy place with plenty of stuff going on nonstop. Virginia, however, is the perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of a big city. You’ll have the best of both worlds: amazing career options and much more peaceful surroundings. 

If you’re ready to relocate and start a career in Virginia, you’ll need to find a home. Try searching for open houses and see if any meets your standards. 

Choose peaceful West Virginia when buying a property.

Cheat Lake, West Virginia, one of things worth buying a property in Virginia for

West Virginia has a lot to offer to those who enjoy the outdoors and a peaceful, natural surrounding.

West Virginia has a lot to offer to those who enjoy the outdoors and a peaceful, natural surrounding Alt tag: Cheat Lake, West Virginia, one of the things worth buying a property in Virginia for 

Moreover, if your main reason for moving out of New York City is to find a quieter place, the Appalachian Mountains or the coast are great locations. You can find impressive properties in small towns close to these areas and enjoy your daily peace and quiet. 

If you’re a true New Yorker, getting used to the calming natural surroundings and activities that can be done there can take some time. However, this need not be the case. You may discover that you actually quite enjoy nature and the mountainous regions. So, expect to make some lifestyle changes and don’t be afraid to try something new. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some planting and agriculture or go hiking in the mountains. Finally, get ready for some breathtaking natural views, especially in fall. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale just by being surrounded by beautiful nature. 

All in all, buying a property in West Virginia is a great idea if you want to save up a bit since it is quite the contrary to the expensive lifestyle back in New York City. So, you’ll just need to find a good real estate agent to help you buy a house in Virginia that best suits your needs. 

Virginia is diverse, just like New York City.

diverse hands in a circle

Virginia is home to a diverse population that makes this state a beautiful place to live in.

One thing that won’t require plenty of adjusting is diversity in Virginia. Just like in New York City, Virginia is home to a richly diverse population that keeps on growing. There are a lot of Asian Americans as well as Hispanic Americans that live in Virginia. Moreover, many are still relocating there in large numbers. Virginia has become the place of choice for many immigrant families because of cheaper lifestyle and many job offers. That is why you won’t need to worry about buying a property there. Moreover you don’t need to worry about fitting in with the rest of the population. Virginia continues to be a welcoming place for people with all kinds of backgrounds and culture. Find a reliable moving company with experienced workers like the ones from divinemoving.com. With such professionals, moving to a new property in Virginia will actually be an enjoyable process. 

Great Education and Healthcare are worth buying a property for.

a doctor

You can count on great healthcare in Virginia. 

Northern Virginia is a place with many prestigious and award-winning hospitals. Similarly, a lot of Virginia’s healthcare institutions are nationally ranked thanks to their exceptional care. So, this alone should be the reason to consider buying a property in Virginia. 

Virginia also has the following organizations: 

  • Virginia Health Foundation 
  • The Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics 

Moreover, the education system in Virginia is also impressive. Students have amazing results in almost every subject and public schools have high ranks. There are almost 170 universities and colleges which is why there are so many highly educated people. If you are a student or have children, you can be sure that moving to Virginia is a great idea. 

If you have bought a home in Virginia you’ll also need a good moving company. They will pack your belongings in cheap but secure boxes. In that way you won’t need to experience any stress during relocation. 

Low crime rates and great quality of life 

Due to the low crime rates and therefore, a great quality of life, you should certainly consider moving to Virginia. The feeling of being safe in your own home is an important factor to consider when buying a property. Part of the reason for Virginia’s good quality of life is the median income that is significantly higher than the nation’s average.  This is due to the fact that there is a large number of people with high education. 

In addition, Virginia has a lot of employment opportunities. That is why New Yorkers decide on relocating here and buying a property. 

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Five Money-Saving Green Upgrades

Going green is great for the environment, but that’s not the only benefit. When you make green upgrades in your home, it can also lead to some major savings.

  1. Solar panels: The upfront cost is big, but the long-term savings are huge. Solar panels will cost several thousand dollars to install, but ongoing maintenance costs are very low, and a typical system could save you hundreds of dollars per year. You can even sell your surplus electricity.
  2. Wood furnace: Wood-burning furnaces are relatively inexpensive, and though the yearly savings aren’t as dramatic (about 10% on heating bills), it adds up over the long run.
  3. Insulation: There’s a good chance your insulation isn’t very efficient, especially in older homes. Look into installing floor, cavity, wall, and loft insulation to reduce your heating bills.
  4. Rain barrels: Rain barrels are extremely inexpensive, and provide gallons of free water to use when you wash your car or water your garden.
  5. Geothermal system: OK, so the price tag is scary at first. A geothermal system uses the earth’s temperature to heat and cool your home, but can cost $30,000 to install. But tax credits allow you to get a lot of that money back, and the energy savings average about $1,900 per year. If you plan to be in your home for a decade or two, it’s a great investment.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.