Escape LA: Rural Oregon Life
Hello! Today, I've brought this topic to you!
Have you ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of big city life? Perhaps trading skyscraper views for sprawling fields, or endless traffic for quiet, tree-lined roads? Well, today, we're diving deep into a real-life tale of a couple who did just that, leaving the glitz (and high costs!) of Los Angeles behind for the tranquil, yet sometimes surprising, embrace of rural Oregon. It's a story of financial savvy, unexpected challenges, and finding peace in a rooster's morning call. Let's unpack their journey!
☆ Topic 1: The Great Escape: Why LA Just Wasn't Cutting It Anymore
Imagine this: You're a creative filmmaker couple in the heart of Los Angeles, Koreatown to be exact. Sounds glamorous, right? But beneath the surface, the reality was a constant struggle. Despite working hard, the soaring costs of living were relentless. Rent, gas, utilities, groceries – every bill felt like a punch to the gut. Our featured couple, Lizabeth Yandel and her partner, found themselves "scraping by," even though they weren't "poor."
Their turning point? The dream of financial stability and, more importantly, the desire to start a family within a few years. It became clear that LA wasn't the place to build that foundation. Thanks to the flexibility of remote work, they had an option many don't: the freedom to relocate. So, in July 2023, they packed up their F150, dog and all, and headed north to a small, rural town in Oregon. It was a leap of faith, driven by a powerful vision for a better future.
☆ Topic 2: The Green Pastures of Savings: Financial Wins in the Country
One of the biggest drivers for their move was, naturally, the financial aspect. Lizabeth had lived in Oregon before, giving them confidence that their money would stretch further in a smaller, more remote setting. And while their rent wasn't quite as low as their wildest dreams, the overall savings have been significant.
- Housing & Space: Beyond the sticker price, rural properties often come with a massive bonus: outdoor space! This was a huge value add for their family, especially for their dog, Stella, who now has plenty of room to roam.
- Grocery Bills: While inflation is a global guest, their grocery costs are notably more affordable. Plus, there's a pleasant surprise in the quality of food. With easier access to locally grown produce and farmers' markets, their pantry is often filled with fresher, tastier ingredients. Think farm-fresh berries for less than a supermarket chain!
- Leisure & Entertainment: The Pacific Northwest offers a wealth of natural beauty, and for this couple, it meant that leisure activities became cheaper, if not entirely free. While the city's endless options for dining and entertainment were gone, the costs for a night out plummeted. For instance, Lizabeth notes, "Going out for drinks sets us back way less than it did in LA, but there are only four bars in town — and only two are worth the visit." This highlights the trade-off, but the savings are undeniable, especially with the abundant, free outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring nature trails.
☆ Topic 3: The Rustic Reality Check: Unexpected Hurdles
No move is without its bumps, and rural life, while idyllic in many ways, brought its own set of unique challenges that weren't always evident on paper. These "surprises" often highlight the conveniences we take for granted in urban centers.
- Internet Woes: Perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects was the struggle for reliable internet. Their first Oregon home wasn't even set up for it, and securing fiber internet took months. To bridge the gap, they had to rely on an "expensive high-powered mobile hot spot," a hidden cost they hadn't anticipated. It's a stark reminder that while remote work offers freedom, the infrastructure to support it isn't always universal.
- Garbage Gourges: Another unexpected hit to their budget came from trash service. It was "significantly more expensive than it was in Los Angeles," costing them a whopping $70 a month at their first house! The reason? Providers have to travel farther for collection and disposal in rural areas. And to add insult to injury, the garbage truck couldn't navigate their narrow gravel road, meaning they had to "drag our trash can some 200 yards each week." Talk about a workout!
These examples really drive home that "cheaper" doesn't always mean "easier," and some costs just shift rather than disappear.
☆ Topic 4: Home Sweet Home: Family Life & Future Reflections
Despite the internet struggles and trash treks, the couple's move proved to be a resounding success, especially with a new addition to their family. Their daughter was born this past January, and Lizabeth cherishes "walking her around the sleepy streets of our charming little town."
They feel incredibly fortunate to continue their filmmaking careers without the geographic constraint of LA. They openly acknowledge that this kind of move isn't feasible for everyone, as finding work in a limited commercial pool is vastly more difficult than in a sprawling city.
While Lizabeth admits to missing "La-La Land's never-ending stream of entertainment, cultural events, and unparalleled people watching," she firmly states that if she had to make the choice again, she absolutely would. The benefits far outweigh the downsides: money saved, stress reduced, hours of traffic avoided, and the blessed relief from "deciding between too many options for just about everything."
And for a truly charming touch, they're now woken not by an alarm, but by their neighborhood rooster... "every. single. morning." While they might not be small-town folks forever, for now, they've truly found their home.
☆ Questions
Q1. Is moving to a rural area always cheaper than living in a big city?
A. While it can often be cheaper, as seen with this couple's rent and grocery savings, it's not a guarantee for all expenses. Unexpected costs like more expensive internet or garbage services, or limited access to certain amenities, can add up. It's crucial to research the specific rural area you're considering.
Q2. What are the biggest non-financial trade-offs when moving from a city to a small town?
A. The biggest trade-offs often involve options and convenience. Cities offer endless choices for entertainment, dining, shopping, and specialized services (like a specific type of grocery store). In smaller towns, options are far more limited. You might gain peace and quiet, less traffic, and more outdoor space, but you'll likely sacrifice variety and immediate access to a wide array of amenities.
☆ Conclusion
This real-world account of trading Los Angeles for rural Oregon offers a powerful lesson: defining "home" and "success" is deeply personal. For Lizabeth and her partner, it meant prioritizing financial stability and a calm environment for their growing family over the endless buzz of a major metropolis. While they faced unexpected challenges with services and the occasional yearning for city delights, the overall gains in financial freedom, reduced stress, and quality of life made it a move they'd repeat without hesitation. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, less truly is more, especially when a friendly rooster becomes your daily alarm clock.