Is Country Right For You?

It sounds great; your home in the country, the peace and quiet, nature surrounding you, the ideal lifestyle. But before you plunk down your hard earned money, think it through. Is country living really right for you? Yes, country living can be wonderful but it isn't for everyone (and that's OK.) Some of us would rather just visit than live there.

If you are leaning toward the country life, do your due diligence and think about what might be not so perfect. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Being away from it all. Depending on how far out of town you are, it could be a long trip to pick up something you forgot at the store, rent a video or go out to eat. Costs in both time and gasoline can add up.
• Neighbors. Yeah, you'll have them there too. Be sure you know of any possible problems. If you're looking near a rock quarry, pay attention to what the activity, sounds, hours of operation, etc. If you're looking near a dairy farm, be aware of how the dairy operates and consider issues that may arise from living near cows. Next to a vineyard sounds ideal but there is work going on there, laborers, pesticide spraying and don't forget the harvest.
• Sounds. It is not necessarily always quiet in the country. Neighbors have roosters or peacocks? Farming operations with noisy equipment nearby?
• Smells. If you live near a dairy farm (or even a ways away) there are times in the year when you will definitely be aware of your neighbor. Farmers' chemical fertilizers and pesticides can not only smell but often drift onto adjoining property.
• Right to Farm. Sonoma County has a right-to-farm ordinance. This means that you cannot move onto a country property and then claim that normal farming operations are a nuisance and diminish your enjoyment of your property. It won't work, they were there first and Sonoma County supports it's agriculture industry.

So check things out and think it through before you buy. It is a good idea to talk to the neighbors, spend sufficient time in the area and ask enough questions to be sure your little piece of heaven is right for you. Then live happily ever after.