So you’re planning to move to a mountain town. Maybe you got a new job offer, or maybe you just want a change of scenery. You may have heard that life is better in the mountains, but is that really true?
Like with living anywhere, there are benefits of living in the mountains and downsides. If you’re trying to figure out if life in the mountains will be the right fit for you, it’s important to consider these pros and cons. We put together this guide to help you decide if your paradise is on a mountainside.
What are Some Affordable Mountain Cities?
Before we dive into the advantages and disadvantages of living in the mountains, let’s talk about affordable mountain cities. Cities like Park City, Utah and Aspen, Colorado have high home prices, but there are several picturesque towns you can call home at a much more affordable price.
Some of the most charming, affordable mountain cities in the United States are:
- Big Bear, California
- Boone, North Carolina
- Butte, Montana
- Durango, Colorado
- Granby, Colorado
- Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Maggie Valley, North Carolina
- Ogden, Utah
- Poconos, Pennsylvania
- Taos, New Mexico
Advantages of Living in the Mountains
Now that you have an idea of where you might want to move, let’s talk about the many advantages of living in the mountains.
Mountain Air
Nothing beats mountain air. It’s fresh, clean and crisp in a way that air closer to sea level never is. The air up in the mountains has fewer pollutants and allergens, which is great for your lungs. Plus, the higher altitude means the air is less dense, making it travel through your lungs easier.
Charming Mountain Communities
The charm of living in the mountains can’t be topped, and it’s certainly not the only benefit of living in the mountains. In addition to the scenic views and rustic cabins, you’ll get to enjoy quaint, small town communities. Mountain communities are often tight-knit. You’ll have the opportunity to really get to know your neighbor, build new friendships and establish yourself in a community that cares and supports its members.
A Wide Selection of Physical Activities
There’s a lot more to do in the mountains than enjoy the views. Because of the natural landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to do a wide range of physical activities. You’ll be able to enjoy hiking, skiing, sledding, rock climbing, mountain biking and other alpine sports only a few steps away from your front door.
Extra Privacy
Mountain towns are more isolated and usually less populated. Your house will be nestled amongst the trees, and your closest neighbors might be the squirrels. Plus, you’ll be far away from the bustle and noise of the city. You’ll get to enjoy peace and quiet that can’t be found anywhere else. If you’re someone who wants to have their own space, privacy might be the biggest advantage of living in the mountains.
Disadvantages of Living in the Mountains
Mountain life sounds pretty great, right? For many, it’s a little slice of heaven. However, it’s important to consider the disadvantages of living in the mountains before making a life-changing move.
Higher Altitudes
If you’ve spent all your life close to sea level, you might not consider just how different it is living at a higher altitude. Because you’ll be so high in the air, you’ll experience a lower atmospheric pressure. This can cause altitude sickness – nausea, headaches and fatigue some people experience when they transition to a higher altitude. This condition normally goes away in a few days to a week as people adjust to the difference in elevation, but it can make moving uncomfortable.
Longer term cons of living at a higher elevation include becoming dehydrated more quickly, adjusting cooking times and temperatures to accommodate for the lower air pressure and even an increased risk of sunburn. This can certainly be an adjustment for people making the move into the mountains.
Higher Cost of Living
While there are several affordable mountain towns, it doesn’t mean that the cost of living will be lower. Groceries, clothing, home goods and anything else you need to buy will either need to be flown into town or driven up winding mountain roads. The extra cost of fuel and labor will be passed on to the consumer, leaving less wiggle room in your budget.
Get Help Moving to the Mountains
If you’re ready to start your new life in the mountains, you need movers you can trust. Wheaton World Wide Moving has more than 75 years of professional experience helping people move all over the country. We know what it takes to transport your belongings safely up winding mountain roads. Our team makes any move hassle-free. Get a moving estimate from Wheaton World Wide today.
