AAR of moving to the country-what I've learned.

[longbow]

It’s been almost 8 years since we moved from a golf course community up by indy to a small farm out in the country. We are now about 50 miles south of Indy.

Looking back there are many things to be shared for those who want to do it. And overall, it was the smart thing to do.

The pros-----
· privacy-about 15 acres around us...
· lower taxes
· farm operations and expenses are a tax write off
· shooting and hunting in your backyard
· reason to get a truck
· reason to get more tools
· work from home so office location is not important
· farm animals-food and fun
· larger garden-food
· long driveway away from the road and gate that can be closed
· forcing us to be more prepared from power or weather issues
· better security if needed and away from large population centers
· no sewer or water bills
· firewood in the backyard
· general improvement in being prepared....

The cons-----
· privacy
· enrolled children in private schools
· every drive is 10 miles or more one way
· Kids jobs pay less
· vet bills for farm animals-easily $2,000 per year
· larger garden-work
· plowing long driveway in the winter
· three acres of grass to cut
· septic system maintenance-major repair costs someday
· water well maintenance-major repair costs someday
· heavy duty equipment needed at the farm is about 3X's the cost of stuff you would get at the local hardware store for a subdivision house...The cheaper stuff doesn't hold up to the abuse. A mower blade for a push lawnmower is $20. I need three for the finish mower behind the tractor at for $130 total.

The unexpected------
· crazy neighbor - went to court at least two times because of his actions. We won both times!
· wife had a turn with poor health and it limits what she can do
· the house we sold up north was seriously damaged in a storm a few years ago-so we missed out on that fun
· two family members who will not visit us at our place because its too country.
· I am very aware of what is going on in our county, and have become more involved in the community.
· real world education in having to do more on your own...and getting the kids involved to help!

Practical Information

Water saving appliances are important if you have a well and septic. They are more expensive, but help reduce problems with the well and septic system.

If I did it again, I would have two water systems in the house. One cold water piping system set up for just the toilets, sinks and outdoor faucets with just particulate filters as the system protection. The other system would be a water treatment system for the water heater, showers, dishwasher, drinking water faucet at the kitchen sink, clothes washer and fridge. The discharge from the water treatment system should go in a third waste tank due to the salts used. This would also have to be pumped out

I would also have a grey water waste line and a black water waste line. Grey from showers, sinks, washers to a separate waste holding tank system. The black water would be from the toilets. This would allow both systems to be most effective. For about $4,000 they have some grey water treatment systems that can be used to water plants. (I would not use it on a food garden with out testing the output)

The house I purchased faces the wrong way. It makes no use of passive solar. If you’re building, take advantage of it in the country. It will pay off.

You are your own fire and security. Our response time is 10 minutes. Play it safe and be prepared. We don’t light up the outside house at night, and most others don’t. Limit how much attention you bring to your place.

Learn first aid due to the 10 minute response time. Follow safety rules like you are working, farming is dangerous, safety gear is cheap compared to an ER visit. One of my neighbors was torn apart by his tractor because he did follow some basic safety rules. He was found still alive by his brother, but died when they removed the tractor off of him.

Chainsaws are part of the package for rural living. They will kill you if you are not careful. They will cut you up, or if you cut the tree down the wrong way, it will kill you. Get trained on how to use and maintain it. Don’t cut corners on safety gear with them. Also, if the tree is too close to your home, pay to have someone remove it. One of my neighbors found out the hard way. Two ruined trucks and a corner of his house crushed.

We have had several three day power outages. Do you know how to drain your water lines? Restart a pump or reset the low pressure switch on the well. You will!

I’m sure I’ll think of something else after I post this…..