The U.S. is experiencing a surge in rural living, a trend fueled by many factors like the fear of the pandemic, ever-increasing violence, and pollution concerns in big metropolitans. And with low housing inventory, for many prospective homebuyers, building new homes tailored to their needs in their desired idyllic location is becoming an appealing option.
If you are among those who are tired of urban living and want to explore the magic of village life, this article is for you. Here, we will dive into the compelling reasons why you should build your new home in a village and present 3 stunning villages where you can build your haven.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why You Should Build a New Home In a Village
Abundance of Space
Villages typically have more vacant land compared to densely populated cities. Due to less population density, the plot sizes are much bigger, providing more space for individual homes. This ultimately results in more openness, a heightened sense of privacy as houses are not built close together, and more space for backyard gardening or poultry farming. These are some unthinkable perks if you were to live in an urban apartment.
Lower Construction Cost
Stricter building codes and zoning regulations can often make it challenging and drive up the cost of building a new house in an already-developed city. Building a home in a village, however, comes with fewer building regulations. Additionally, you can save up on building materials if you source them locally or hire a local contractor.
Communal Bond
Village residents enjoy a simple life within a close-knit community. Sometimes the support system is inbuilt or organic. Helping each other with child care, yard maintenance, or home repair without anything in exchange is natural within the community.
Serenity
Living close to nature and having an active lifestyle certainly has its perks. Living in a scenic village you will be away from urban congestion, pollution, and stress, improving your mental and physical health.
Lower Living Cost
Most rural areas in the US have lower living costs than mega cities. villages are typically small and you will find everything you need within walking distance, be it a library or a dentist’s office. That certainly saves you a lot of fuel costs. In addition, you will find fresh produce from local markets, ensuring a better healthy diet costing you less.
More Opportunities to Include Sustainability
Village homes with their spacious land present ample opportunity to adopt sustainable means. Installing solar panels on the roof or having a rainwater harvesting system are examples of going green. With these systems installed, you will have running water on your tap or power to run the house even if there’s a grid failure or power outage.
The Best Villages in the U.S. to Build a New Home
Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Williams Bay, situated in Walworth County, boasts a population of over 2500. the convenient position between three metropolitans- Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee makes it a highly sought-after location in Wisconsin. Renowned as an ideal summer destination, Williams Bay also holds appeal to retirees and new families. Geneva Lake is undoubtedly the most stunning feature of this waterfront village. Beyond the scenic beauty, Geneva Lake offers ample opportunity for water activities. With a great supply of freshwater fish including trout, smallmouth bass fishing enthusiasts will find living in Williams Bay a never-ending delight.
The majority of residents own their homes in Williams Bay, resulting in a steady real estate price. Lakefront estates are the most expensive plots in the village as they provide the most spectacular view. While the land prices vary depending on the location, you may have to spend roughly between $225-$400 per square foot as construction cost to build a new home in Williams Bay.
Vinton, Texas
Due to favorable tax scenarios and affordable living Texas has always been a real estate hotspot. For those who are looking for a hidden gem with stunning natural views, Vinton, a tranquil village in El Paso County might be their best bet. Set against the mighty Franklin mountains, Vinton offers a slower pace of life and endless adventures for outdoor enthusiasts who love biking, trekking, hiking, or nature walks. Being only a 30-minute drive away from El Paso, residents can also enjoy the big city thrills whenever the mood strikes.
According to the 2020 census, around 2684 residents live in this Texan village, creating an ideal demographic for those who want to be part of a small, close-knit community.
One of the biggest draws for Vinton is its affordability, be it building a house or daily living. The cost of living here is about 15% lower than the national average. From transportation, and utilities to groceries everything is much cheaper compared to large cities, even El Paso. If you are dreaming of building your place, El Paso’s standard single-family house construction cost is on average $126-$191 per square foot, making it about 7% lower than the national average.
Living in Vinton means embracing the dessert scene. Just like any other part of Texas, it can be really hot and dry during the summer months, making it a little hard to acclimate for those relocating from northern states.
Hartville, Ohio
Hartville, Ohio is a quaint picturesque suburb of Cleveland with a population of 3000. Surrounded by rural farmland and lush greenery, the village appeals to many weakened visitors. The quirky shops and small businesses also add to Hartville’s unique charm. Like most US villages, Hartville is all about thriving community spirit through supporting each other. While most residents lean towards conservative values and prioritize traditional religious beliefs, they welcome people of all backgrounds and spiritual ties equally.
One of Hartville’s biggest draws is its exceptional public schools. Many families prefer Hartville to provide a better academic environment for their children. Affordability is another perk of living here. The cost of living being almost 9% lower than the national average, makes Hartville an ideal place to raise a family. With the price of land per acre being about $4000, building your home is much more affordable than most other places in the USA. This, combined with the low crime rate and tranquil pace of life, makes Hartville an ideal place to set up roots and have a peaceful life.
On a final note, village life has a lot to offer for those who want to break free from the urban clamor and embrace serenity. Consider the location, construction cost, and future opportunities before leaping into this significant change.
