Finding your perfect small town: A fun guide for city dwellers seeking a change

It has been eight months since I made the move from Auckland to Motueka, so when I saw an article about finding your perfect small town, I felt compelled to read on to see if my reality of moving to a small-town resonated with the article.

The reason for moving shouldn’t be just financial, there are a lot of other considerations depending on age and stage of life.  I can relate to that. The checklist of requirements would have been quite different for me, if I had school age children vs it just being me and Mum.

But, as the article points out, the financial aspects of getting more bang for your buck in the housing market is a good starting point.  Can’t argue with this either. Housing affordability and the size of the land was a key driver for us.

It seems there are more people considering swapping the busy city for the charm of small-town life, and if you make the move wisely it can pay off in more ways than one. The appeal seems obvious: potentially lower living costs, a relaxed pace, and, if you can work remotely, a chance to really embrace a lifestyle change. But before you put your home on the market, or give your landlord notice, here are a few things to keep in mind.

The stereotype of a small towns is that they offer a slower pace, a friendlier vibe, and, best of all, a lower cost of living. Forget sky-high mortgages - your dollar goes much further here. Imagine more space, a closer connection to nature, and the chance to live a little simpler without sacrificing comfort.  Sounds divine doesn’t it.

The reality is that depending on what your budget is, you might struggle to find the dream home bargain.  You probably aren’t the only family looking to relocate to the same spot and that can put a bit of pressure on property, that’s just the nature of real estate.  You may well find the bargain home, but it might require a bit of work to bring it up to the standard you are wanting. So, allow for some extra expenditure when you do make the move. It doesn’t matter if you move locally, or to a completely different location there is always something that needs updating, refreshing or changing because you just can’t live with.

That was something I learned within a couple of weeks of moving in.  We were on low pressure water.  That just had to go!  Not quite thinking through all the consequences, I had the plumber came out and he installed a lovely new high-pressure cylinder.  What I had not taken into consideration was that the shub (yes apparently, they still exist), had a shower curtain, which meant every time I used the shower, the water shot out the back, requiring a mop and bucket to wipe up the floor afterwards. The new bathroom went higher up the ‘to do’ list!

We’re on a roll, so let’s keep going.  You have made the move and reduced the mortgage, have you considered other costs like rates, insurance, access to essential services? Have these costs gone up or down with the move?

Sadly, many smaller councils are struggling to cope with all these city dwellers who have decided to move to their idyllic location. They need funds to maintain and improve the infrastructure, and rates and other charges like rubbish is how they generate it.  Heaven help you if you decide to add a room or two to your new home, and require council involvement in the consent process!

Many small towns may require a drive for healthcare, shopping, or schools, you might we swopping the daily commute to work, for the school run, or Saturday sports, or medical assistance should you need it. Make sure you include these extra costs in your plan.  The financial perks of your move may be eroded somewhat.

If you are able to work remotely, the move is certainly much easier.  You may well be able to enjoy small-town life on a city salary. But have a backup—check the town’s internet quality, and keep in mind remote roles can shift over time. You might need to do the occasional commute to the office.  How is that going to impact your family and your finances?

The biggest consideration in moving for Mum and I was quality of life.  For her, it was access to medical services, and a strong community of retirees that were still very active.  For me, it was the balance of running my business remotely, while also being able to enjoy the outdoors, the local music scene and connecting with like-minded people in both business and leisure.

I recall a conversation with Mum (bear in mind she is 81) before she moved down. I asked her if she was worried about making new friends, she looked at me somewhat surprised and said, ‘I’m moving into their environment, I know I need to make the effort to go out and meet new people and I’m prepared to do that”.  This, is the key to a successful transition, being prepared to get out and meet new people, whether it’s joining the local school PTA, the gym, or finding groups that you can join that share common interests. Becoming active in your new community will help with that feeling of ‘have I made the right decision’ feelings that will come up as you settle in.

Have some funds set aside, this will allow you to visit friends and family that you have left behind.  This is an essential part of the budget, particularly in the first year.  I enjoy visiting Auckland to catch up with clients and friends, but as the months pass, I also can’t wait to get back on the plane and head home at the end of the trip.

Is it all smooth sailing? No.  I miss seeing my friends as regularly as I used to and being able to meet for a coffee or a wine at the drop of a hat.  But we have adapted, we have phone, or video calls, and in some ways, I think we connect more often than we used to as we now make the time to check in and catchup.

A small town doesn’t have the same variety of cafes, restaurants and bars, so you may find your evening entertainment is more home based, which can be a bit of a culture shock if you are used to going out frequently.  The upside, it’s better for your bank account. You can divert some of what you used to spend on entertainment in paying down the mortgage, or the renovation fund, or your travel fund for trips back to the big smoke.

If you can’t work remotely, then employment prospects have to be a major consideration, often small towns are small due to shrinking opportunities to find work. So, before you up sticks and move, make sure you research the area thoroughly and listen to any rumours floating around about possible new opportunities and any potential closures.

Every small town has its own flavour. Think about what matters most for your lifestyle—whether it’s an artsy vibe, outdoor adventure, or a strong school system. Spend time visiting to see if it feels right. Chat with locals to get a true sense of daily life. Don’t base the decision just on the price of real estate, be very clear about all the other aspects of your life as well.

Eight months in, both Mum and I feel very much part of our new community. So, sorry Auckland, I won’t be coming back.

*Lynda Moore is a Money Mentalist coach and New Zealand’s only certified New Money Story® mentor. Lynda helps you understand why you do the things you do with your money, when we all know we should spend less than we earn. You can contact her here.