With so many people realizing how much time they’re spending inside in recent years: there’s been a large push for more spaces to allow people to take in nature while also getting to live comfortably.
These are the top places in the USA to enjoy a little peace while living amongst beautiful nature.
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Denver, Colorado
Denver, the capital of Colorado, is one of the oldest cities in the west. This gorgeous town sits at an elevation of over five thousand feet and understands the importance of a work-life balance.
In Denver, you can enjoy countless walking and running trails, rock climbing, mountain hikes, and other ways to explore the surrounding mountains, rivers, and lakes. This gorgeous city knows how to take care of the local ecosystem and encourages everyone who visits to take part.
Boone, North Carolina
Boone is a gorgeous town tucked into the mountains of North Carolina; this area has less than twenty thousand people and spends its entire year feeling like the perfect place to get away from the stress of daily life.
While you’re here, you can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is a beautiful mountain ridge road that lets you take in all the views, go skiing in the winter, and even hike the mountains in the fall. Every inch of Boone is breathtaking, and although it’s a small town, it’s worth living here for all of the convenience of being in such a gorgeous place.
Sault Ste. Marie
This city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is one of the best places to live if you want to take in nature while living within a comfortable town.
The population of fewer than fourteen thousand people ensures that there’s less noise and air pollution, and the incredible views will keep you inspired to get out and enjoy nature more. Every inch of this town is close to paradise, and you’ll fall in love when you visit.
Butte, Montana
Butte was once the largest city in the west, mining copper and pulling what resources it could from the mountain it sits on. Over time, this mile-high city has shrunk, and now it’s a laid-back piece of paradise with gorgeous older buildings.
Every inch of Butte feels comforting, from the lovely Lady of the Rockies statue that overlooks the town to the mountains surrounding it. If you’ve never been to the area before, you’ll fall in love quickly.
Brainerd, Minnesota
This city, most well-known for being the space where the movie Fargo was based, is a wonderful little town in the heart of Minnesota.
Although it’s incredibly inland and not near any mountains or hills: there’s so much wildlife and beauty that you can take in by living here! Countless parks, from Lum Park, which sits lakeside, to Gregory and Buffalo Hills Parks, allow you to walk in nature and take in the beautiful views and wildlife. The area is well known for having a huge population of pure black squirrels, so keep an eye out for those while you’re enjoying nature!
Planning to buy near the great outdoors? Here’s what to know first!
Now that you have some ideas about the most magical places to move, you may want to complete the information with some details. Living close to the great outdoors can be magical and relaxing, but some challenges and issues may also come along. Knowing both the ups and downs of living in such locations will help you make the right decision.
It can be idyllic
Living in the middle of nature is peaceful; there’s no doubt about it. The views are unparalleled and there’s fauna and flora everywhere you turn. When you lack the proper tools, life on the mountain can be more challenging than expected. You can always go outside and get some exercise and fresh air and even ski—where appropriate. People who live near the great outdoors have a healthier lifestyle than those living in big cities. Keep in mind that mountain living isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Land problems
If you pick a town near the mountains, be aware of the risk of mudslides and falling trees. Unless you choose a place that has been cleared, expect the mountain living to be dark for most of the year. With much darkness comes mold, so adequate drainage for the house is crucial. The risk for mudslides is high and you should verify how close the home is to the downslope.
Will you have to commute?
When you move house in isolated locations, you should consider access to more extensive roadways and highways. Some primary roads will offer you access only after 20-30 minutes of driving. When you need to commute, we recommend you have some trial runs in the morning and evening rush. You won’t be able to have fast access to groceries, regular items, and medical needs either. Forgetting to buy milk is something you cannot afford when you’re away from grocery stores.
Living in an isolated location can affect your job as well. If you’re a writer, living in the middle of nowhere may be the best decision and help you focus on your writing. It’s not the same if you’re a lawyer or a doctor, though.
Get in touch with your future neighbors
When you move to a small town, knowing your fellow neighbors and neighborhood can make a difference. They can give you the information you cannot find online and answer all your inquiries about living there. We recommend you hire a local real estate agent who’s an expert in small properties and rules about building permits and allowances. A local real estate agent should also provide information about roads, wells, septic systems, and infrastructures.
The risk for power outages
Power outages tend to happen more in locations near the woods, especially in the mountains. As a result, you should always be prepared and have enough candles, batteries, and flashlights in your home. Make sure you store water and have a propane tank for cooking. Buying a backup generator is also a wise investment to make because some power outages can last up to 5 days. With a generator, you will power up cable, internet, refrigerators, and phone lines. For stoves, you will be able to use the propane tanks.
Home improvements could be necessary
When you choose to live so close to some lovely woods, it’s good to know how close you are to a natural water source. Sometimes, you might have to replace/add a septic system or a well. If it’s far, drilling the water will be high due to necessary excavation work. Plowing your way out after a snowstorm may also be required, so you should go shopping for a snowmobile.
Communication can be difficult
Small and isolated locations can be unique, but cell service can be poor if not absent. In mountain areas, once the power is gone, phone, internet, and cable lines are gone as well. You will have to discover how to reach out and ask for help if anything like this happens. Buy a reliable and powerful generator for the power cable, cell and phone lines for emergencies.
Mountain living is expensive
We highlight that homeowners’ insurance rates can be higher in mountain living because they’re in the coastal regions. Insurance for fire and flood will be necessary, so always get advice from professionals to ensure that your home is protected.
You will pay a premium for living in a resort area and have more amenities than living in a secluded region, like easy access to local stores and medical attention. Mountain living is fantastic, but it comes with many challenges and you should be prepared for them physically, emotionally, and financially.
The risk for natural disasters is never null
Moving to a small town with lovely woods in the backyard is the best decision ever for many people. However, such living always comes with challenges and the risk for natural disasters is one. When your home is located near a river, the risk of flooding is high. Similarly, if you live in an area prone to drought, you should store extra water in water tanks during a dry year. Dry years can cause fires. Should you live in the mountains, you need to be aware of mandatory evacuations. In case of fire, some areas will be more challenging to protect, so pick a secure location.
Ensure that you stay connected to the fire department if the risk for fires is high for your home. Hire professionals to chop down trees around your home so that you reduce the damage in case of fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money will you spend to build a cabin near the woods?
If you plan to build a 500-square foot cabin in the woods, you will pay between $62,000 and $87,000. The final cost depends on the necessary land clearing and excavation for building the house.
Should you buy or should you build a cabin in the woods?
Don’t think that building a cabin will leave you with your wallet full. However, building your log cabin is less expensive than buying one. If you’re thinking about saving thousands of dollars, you should make a log cabin and not hire a contractor to do it for you.
Can you just purchase some land and put a log cabin on it?
Keep in mind that permission before construction is necessary even for residential log cabins. it’s rare that you discover a piece of land with attached planning permission. You will have to get a building permit nine times out of ten. Keep in mind that you also need building regulations approval.
Will it make you healthy living close to the woods?
You will enjoy numerous benefits when living in an idyllic place and having a healthy amygdala is just one to name. Therefore, the risk of getting all stressed and anxious significantly reduces when you live near the great outdoors.
Is it expensive to live in a cottage?
It goes without saying that the spending for a cottage depends on the size, age, and location. You will spend between $5,000 and $15,000 a year on repairs and upkeep for general maintenance.
