The anti-urbanization trend: Why do people look for a place outside the city?
Over the past year, many of us have learned that “normal” living may not be the healthiest, safest, or most sustainable for us or the planet. As people adapt to changing social patterns and navigate this global shift in routine, a new trend is emerging. More and more people, especially young families, are moving out of crowded cities and into rural areas where they can find their own space for recreation.
The new trend, which marks a reversal of the steady growth of urban populations, is known as counterurbanization , or the exodus of people from cities to the countryside. This migration has been exaggerated by recent public health events that have shed light on the dangers of overcrowded cities and the many benefits of living in a more open and sustainable community.
What is the anti-urbanization movement?
Counterurbanization is a popular idea because it offers many benefits to individuals and families who want to escape densely populated areas in search of open spaces. Outside the city, people can enjoy less traffic and less traffic, safer neighborhoods, less pollution, and an overall better quality of life.
Let’s look at some of the causes of the anti-urbanization movement and the benefits of moving from the city to a sustainable community.
Get some space
Counterurbanization is a growing trend as people respond to the need to distance themselves from others. It’s true that living in dispersed spaces is often effective in limiting the spread of infectious diseases and viruses, but moving to rural areas does more than prevent disease.
Living near green spaces has been shown to be a major factor in mental health , while natural light and fresh air have a range of health benefits, from improving concentration to healing. Escape to the countryside may be the healthiest choice you can make, and the trend towards counter-urbanisation suggests it’s becoming increasingly popular.
Sustainable communities are designed around open spaces. Instead of living “on your neighbor,” you’re spread out, with a few dozen feet between you and your neighbors. Although physically separated, residents still enjoy neighborly contact through eco-friendly, nature-focused activities like gardening, raising chickens, or exploring nature reserves and trails.
Grow your own food
Outside the city limits, you can find a place to start a garden and grow your own food, have a coop for fresh eggs, or keep bees and contribute to the local pollinator population. Powered by the sun and your hands, a sustainable lifestyle is organic, healthy, and cost-effective. You control the quality of your fresh produce and can avoid things like preservatives and pesticides, and you reduce both your carbon footprint and your trips to the grocery store.
Starting a productive garden isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Browse online resources for beginner gardeners or ask at your local grocery store. Sustainable communities encourage skill-sharing between neighbors, from tomato-planting tips to the best recipes for that kohlrabi you don’t know what to do with. Joining a neighborhood community lets you tap into a network of knowledge and use the experiences of others to improve your health and live a sustainable lifestyle.
Achieve energy efficiency
One of the greatest benefits of counterurbanization is the push toward sustainable practices in housing—particularly energy efficiency. With the goal of becoming completely independent of utilities, many homes in sustainable communities are able to achieve net zero energy through the use of environmental technologies such as energy-efficient appliances, home furnishings like doors and windows, and geothermal heating and cooling systems. Some net zero homes even generate surplus clean energy and send it back to the grid, where utilities can buy it.
Achieving energy efficiency by reducing consumption, as well as implementing renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind power, are important parts of a sustainable lifestyle. Sustainably built homes are not only better for the environment, but they can also save money on energy bills – or eliminate them altogether.
Keep your family safe
Sustainable communities are great places to raise a family in a safe and healthy environment. With fresh air and plenty of space to run and play, the areas are loved by active and adventurous children. Parents don't have to worry about their children getting into trouble, because thanks to large, uninterrupted spaces, we give children the freedom they need but at the same time keep an eye on them.
Think of the last time you left the house after breakfast and played outside all day until dinner, making forts in the woods, galloping through the fields, and rushing home for dinner with dirty hands and grass-stained knees. In a sustainable community, families can enjoy the freedom and safety of natural spaces and take advantage of excellent opportunities to teach their children valuable life skills related to conservation, gardening and more.
Use social spaces, not shared ones
Counterurbanization is a social process of migration away from the crowds and close neighborhoods of city centers, but it does not mean feeling isolated or antisocial. Instead of shared spaces, sustainable communities promote social bonds through environmental interests.
It’s true that in a sustainable community, you won’t find a clubhouse, a shared gym, or a neighborhood pool. Instead, the “common space” is a beautiful outdoor space. You can interact with your neighbors on your own terms, whether it’s hiking the trails, helping out in the garden, or exchanging greetings across a few hundred feet of space. Neighbors can enjoy the benefits of a tight-knit community of conservationists while still maintaining their privacy.
Choose a better way to live: sustainable living
The anti-urbanization trend shows that people want to abandon “normality” and choose a better way of life. People are increasingly attracted to the idea of exchanging fast-paced city life for the possibility of slowing down and living consciously in the countryside. It is no wonder that with a more purposeful approach, surrounded by large green areas, they want to root in an environment where they are better positioned for self-development.
Prioritize your health and well-being, strive for energy efficiency, and explore natural spaces. You can gain greater control over your health and enjoy a safer, more fulfilling life.
If you are looking for a fresh start, consider Letnisk Domki Marysia. With our properties, you can enjoy all that a sustainable lifestyle has to offer, including growing your own organic produce, discovering new paths in the area. Homes in our community have the opportunity to achieve true energy efficiency with net zero energy consumption. To learn more about opportunities to join us, contact us: