Good readers, I have not forgotten you! We took a break from house hunting after our third bid attempt did not result in us actually owning a house
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Working from home usually means you need to make absolutely certain you will have fast, clear, and reliable internet and phone service. This is NOT a given in rural areas. Start asking lots of questions now of anyone you can pin down living or working anywhere near the areas you're looking at, regarding what the available residential phone and internet services are, and how well they perform. For instance, you can depend on satellite-based internet to go out anytime there's a storm, and often when it rains - but line-based service simply is not as available in rural areas as it is where people live closer together, due to the higher per capita cost of laying the necessary cabling
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High speed internet is a Must. One of the things Ulfr has been doing is cross-referencing potential properties against the Comcast/Xfinity service area, since we are already under contract with them. It's actually easier to find than I expected. Most of the power lines are underground, although cable is still run from poles in that area. I also have a broadband card built into my laptop for emergencies.
I have a pair of hiking boots and a pair of bike/riding boots. I might have to buy *gulp* sneakers, though.
Sounds like you're already well set for the biggest stumbling blocks, then. :)
You might consider chukka boots and other ankle boots instead of sneakers; I believe I've seen them recently in stores, which implies that they're moderately fashionable again. I know chukka boots to be highly practical as well as being (arguably) more attractive than sneakers. And I admit that my country-raised heart still goes pitty-pat when I have a pair of something like these or these under jeans. The latter are a reasonable compromise between heels and everyday usability, and are surely perfectly safe for someone who navigates with grace and elan in spikes.
But sadly, unless you've trained with Mistress Mistress Baroness Garden Party Barbie Juliana von Altenfeld, who has been observed to unload a van packed for Gulf Wars on a sandy beach while wearing spikes and a party dress, the spikes probably really are Right Out for you for daily wear.
Best of luck to you and yours ~ I've always wanted to try living in a small town/out on the country; wonder if I'd like it... I hear VA is gorgeous, have a couple of friends living there... I'm sure you'll thrive wherever you end up!
i grew up in the tri-state area, there, and i think you are likely to enjoy it. Yes, country IS an adjustment, but not always as big a one as you think. If there is a small city nearby, (20 o 45 minutes) it will help ease the transition and the shopping/coffee cravings, and the quiet and feeling of being just a little bit closer to nature is worth it, a lot of the time.
Just talk to your potential neighbors before you buy....they are the people who will be nosing up into your business, because that's what people do in small towns. You need to know before you buy, if you can like your neighbors, or if you are going to hate them. In the city, it isn't as important, but in the country, it can really make or break a living experience. :)
Keep an eye on those red squirrels... they can be nasty! It might be a little un-nerving at first, but I'm sure you will eventually love it... with the occasional nervous breakdown of looking for an all night coffee shop.
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I have a pair of hiking boots and a pair of bike/riding boots. I might have to buy *gulp* sneakers, though.
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You might consider chukka boots and other ankle boots instead of sneakers; I believe I've seen them recently in stores, which implies that they're moderately fashionable again. I know chukka boots to be highly practical as well as being (arguably) more attractive than sneakers. And I admit that my country-raised heart still goes pitty-pat when I have a pair of something like these or these under jeans. The latter are a reasonable compromise between heels and everyday usability, and are surely perfectly safe for someone who navigates with grace and elan in spikes.
But sadly, unless you've trained with Mistress Mistress Baroness Garden Party Barbie Juliana von Altenfeld, who has been observed to unload a van packed for Gulf Wars on a sandy beach while wearing spikes and a party dress, the spikes probably really are Right Out for you for daily wear.
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Happy moving!
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Just talk to your potential neighbors before you buy....they are the people who will be nosing up into your business, because that's what people do in small towns. You need to know before you buy, if you can like your neighbors, or if you are going to hate them. In the city, it isn't as important, but in the country, it can really make or break a living experience. :)
Good luck!
kitty
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