The Metcalf Land Company, Inc., specializes in the sale of acreage, farms, timberlands and recreational properties in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina– rural areas where you could conceivably have/build a “home in the country.”
Oftentimes, those who never grew up in the country end up moving to the country in order to get away from the problems associated with a city, such as crime, overcrowding, noise, pollution, traffic jams, bad schools, etc. Ask yourself this: “Do I want a home in the country? Would this make sense for me and my family and friends?”
Consider why you’d want to move to a rural area in the first place. What is it that you want to get away from, and what is it you expect to find in “the country?” It’s a good idea to discuss these topics with a realtor who deals with the buying and selling of properties. He or she can be a good guide in the process of figuring out your motives for moving to the country. Some people want a big view of water or woods or land, while others want to do some farming. They want to try their hand at raising chickens, goats, ducks, etc. Or they want room for their kids to roam in the expansive yard and swim in a pond or two… In “the country” there aren’t as many rules as in “the city,” so life can be a little easier there.
Keep in mind, though, that cities get a lot of new builds, often, while rural areas don’t usually have lots of newly built homes readily available. Rural areas often have older homes and older infrastructure. Sometimes rural homes have well water instead of city water. They might use propane to heat the house. The options for high-speed Internet might not be as good or cheap as in “the city.” And if you’re the kind of person who likes having neighbors, keep in mind that lots are large in rural areas, so your nearest neighbor might not be in shouting distance. For some people, these trade-offs are worth the move!
When considering a country home, you’ll want to think about things like electricity and water and sewage and garbage pick-up… some amenities may or may not be easily available if you’re a bit “off the grid.” Perhaps you might need to have a generator on your property. Or you might need lots of firewood to heat your home in the colder months.
Sometimes there are tax breaks for folks who choose to live in “the country.” It’s worth it to investigate the tax situation, as well as consider how you plan to use your land… there might be programs in place to encourage you to move there and ultimately save money on property taxes. It’s not unusual for rural folks to lease some of their land to solar power companies or farmers, etc. So the “extra” land can bring in an income in some cases!
Are you thinking of moving to “the country?” If you’re considering South Carolina/North Carolina, then call Metcalf Land Company to discuss options at 864-585-0444.