Life in the Philippine provinces

5 Reasons Why Living in Rural Provinces Can Be Your Best Choice

Living in the province has always been romanticized as a peaceful, laid-back alternative to the fast-paced, stress-filled environment of the city. While there are undeniable challenges to rural living, it's time to look beyond the negatives and explore the many benefits that come with life in one of the 82 provinces of the Philippines. If you plan to leave the cities in Metro Manila, here are five reasons why living in a rural province could be the best decision you'll ever make.

This blog is just a response to the article written by Kristoffer Jan Notario.

1. Closer connection to nature and a healthier lifestyle

The most important reason to move to the province is reconnecting with nature. Rural areas often have mountains, rice fields, or coastal regions nearby, so the view is always scenic and the air is always fresh. Nature connection through outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, or gardening, enhances a healthier lifestyle.

Being away from town also reduces exposure to noise pollution and the frantic pace which largely contributes to stress. Researchers have shown that having a period in nature brings down the levels of cortisol and helps in boosting global mental health. To stay an even more harmonized and conscious life, peace and tranquility surrounding such provinces cannot be over-shadowed.

2. Relatively Low Cost of Life

Probably one of the advantages of staying in the province is that it is cheap to live compared to being in the city. There is housing, and in general, cost of day-to-day activities such as food and transportation is affordable. It may not have a booming job market such as Metro Manila, but your income would stretch longer.

Provinces are filled with local produce and seafood sold at much cheaper prices, too. For people who love cooking or eating fresh and organic food, going to local markets would benefit them with the convenience of being able to acquire something they can prepare and taste. Also, community culture often involves sharing fruits, vegetables, or home-cooked meals with neighbors, saving more money for living costs.

3. Deeper Sense of Community

It is common for a number of years that people spend their lives living in apartments or houses with the same neighbors and maybe some friends in a city, but this is quite contrary to life in a province. It becomes deeply rooted in community values. These individuals in the provinces have known each other and cared for one another, thus calming them for such feelings.

From town fiestas to volunteer efforts and community-based projects, there are so many ways to get to know people and become part of a close-knit community. This connectedness is especially helpful for families that want to raise their children in a supportive and friendly environment. The communal atmosphere not only helps to build lasting relationships but also fosters responsibility towards helping one's community prosper.

4. Opportunities for a More Sustainable Lifestyle

The province is the perfect place for a more sustainable way of living. With open spaces and fertile land, rural areas provide opportunities for gardening, farming, and even raising livestock. Many people who move to the provinces find joy and fulfillment in growing their own food, which can significantly reduce reliance on store-bought goods and promote a healthier diet.

In addition to farming and gardening, the natural setting of a non-commercialized province automatically reduces one's carbon footprint. Commuting distances are short, and many of its residents bike or walk around, thus creating lesser air pollution. The province is perfect for those who give importance to environmental friendly practices and wish to have a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle.

5. Slow Pace of Life and Much More Meaning

It's really just racing amidst city life when people see work deadlines looming near. They go along amidst traffics in this or that, constantly bothered with every kind of activities buzzing there. With regard to life, though, one seems to appreciate having such opportunities for relaxation when going in for living within a slower provincial lifestyle-a slower style which helps provide greater depth to think better for your ideas as well as gain better balancing from it within the setting at large.

The peace and quiet of a rural life can be inspiration for those who work at home or have the means to pursue creative activities, such as writing, painting, or crafting. Individuals can focus on their passion without the pressure of hustle and bustle in a city, finding fulfillment away from work. This, in turn, can contribute to a more meaningful life, centered on what actually matters: relationships, self-care, and personal development.

Final Thoughts: The Province as an Option for Happiness

Even if it's more difficult to live in the province, the pros mostly offset the cons when individuals have a strong need to have life surrounded by nature, people, and ease. Provincial living has options to maintain a less costly way of life and supports an ecological lifestyle that further adds up to being there in terms of community familiarity, so it can serve not only as an option but as a great preference for those who value those kinds of things. Certainly, it is not for everybody, especially those who thrive on the conveniences of city living. However, for those who prioritize peace, health, and genuine human connection, the rural provinces of the Philippines offer a quality of life that is unmatched.

So, before you write off the idea of living in the province, take some time to weigh these positives. You might find that the great benefits align perfectly with the life you dream of—one rich with experience, community spirit, and meaningful simplicity.