Reasons Why Living in the Mountains is Better

In the last ten years, states like Colorado, North Carolina and Tennessee have seen an absolute boom in population. This is because everyone wants to live in the mountains! The scenic views and skiing alone are enough for most people, but there is so much more! The setting for so many songs, books and movies, both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Rocky Mountains are  dream destinations for many entrepreneurs, artists and families.

Living in a small mountain community provides an opportunity for a unique lifestyle not available to city dwellers and suburbians across the country. There is a feeling of freedom in your soul that comes with living in the mountains that almost defies words, a closeness and a connectedness to nature you feel that can’t be found elsewhere. There are also very practical reasons to want to move to the mountains. These are 5 of the best reasons for you to make your move to the mountains now!

1. Every season is better, especially winter.

Winter sports are a way of life in mountainous regions. Easy access to skiing is a very common reason to want to move to the mountains. Living in Aspen, Colorado puts you within driving distance of 31 ski resorts for a quick weekend vacation. North Carolina has 14 ice rinks, making it a hub for competitive coaches, hockey players, figure skaters and speed skaters alike. Don’t forget about the other winter sports either! There is also snowboarding, sledding and snowmobiling, just to name a few.

Outdoor activities in the winter aren’t limited to sports. Snowshoeing is as relaxed or demanding as you want it to be and can be a great way to get out and see nature during the colder months. Ice climbing, where you scale a frozen waterfall and snowkiting (which is exactly what it sounds like, using a kite to propel you forward on skis) are definitely activities exclusive to the mountains during winter.

The holidays are especially picturesque, and the summers are mild and beautiful. In North Carolina, there are even beaches within driving distance of ski resorts. North Carolina was named one of the best places to experience all four seasons and the weather in the western part of the state is said to be part of it’s natural splendor, although the eastern part of the state is coastal and experiences some extreme weather.

2. Dogs are welcome.

 Seriously, dogs are welcome basically everywhere! It doesn’t matter if you are talking about the Appalachians, the Rockies or the Alps having a dog is part of mountain culture, and they are allowed basically everywhere you go! People love their dogs and the businesses of mountain communities seem to also, as many of them serve special doggie treats at their locations.

From the multitude of kinds of dogs bred specifically for mountain living to the sheer number of doggie bakeries and specialty stores that line the streets of Denver, it is easy to tell that man’s best friend is a staple of the mountain way of life. There is evidence of canine companionship with mountaineers dating back to prehistory, so this is not a trend likely to change any time soon.

3. Living in the mountains makes you healthier.

There are several reasons that living in the mountains will make you healthier and help you live a better and cleaner lifestyle. One important factor is the fresh air of the mountain top is far less polluted than city air. Mountain air isn’t just less polluted, it actually smells better than urban air. The smell of pine and lavender serve as a natural perfume and are said by aromatherapists to help release stress, calm nerves and promote a better night’s sleep.

Living in the mountains also combats obesity. Recent studies show there is a connection between weight loss and altitude. Living at a high altitude, even for a few months can increase your metabolism. Aside from biology, it’s really no wonder that someone would be more excited to be active living in such a beautiful place rather than a concrete jungle! Such majestic natural environments surely encourage physical activity and outdoor entertainment.

Making your home in a high altitude region even lowers your risk of heart disease! Lower oxygen levels at the higher altitude activate certain genes and promote blood vessel health. There can be no better benefit to where you live than to live a long, happy and healthy life!

4. You won’t miss city traffic jams.

If you hate traffic, you definitely want to move to the mountains! The general congestion of city and suburban life does not exist in the smaller, sparse communities of places like the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s not just less traffic, but bigger yards and gardens, and  more distance between not just houses but driveways. These are hallmarks of mountain living.

The one drawback to this otherwise positive feature is that access can sometimes become an issue due to weather or distance. Normally an hour drive will take you to a neighboring town large enough to provide any of the conveniences you would miss about city living. Owning a four wheel drive vehicle is usually sufficient for conquering the weather and is a common staple among people who live in the mountains.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are known to offer a feeling of privacy while still offering the sense of community spirit that families are looking for. This is why Asheville, NC is consistently listed as a top place to live in the US. There is a peace and solitude in the mountains that quiets the mind and allows writers, artists and entrepreneurs to perform at their mental peak. It’s not just physical activity, but also creativity, that is inspired by the allure and beauty of the mountains.

5. Natural beauty.

Whether it is sitting on your deck with coffee and a spectacular view to start your day, or it’s getting out to explore the wildlife and woods, this is where you will truly discover nature’s beauty. Mountain ridges encompass all of nature’s finest aspects, from the gorgeous landscape and geographical features to the diverse wildlife.

The natural landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, with sunrises and sunsets that are to die for! The larger yard and possible wooded area near your home will allow for landscaping, gardening and pets that aren’t possible in the city. Outdoorsmen often enjoy making their homes in wooded mountains due to the abundance of wildlife.

It isn’t as simple as just building a house to live in, though. Building a home in the mountains presents special challenges. In an area like this, you will need an expert modern mountain architect to help you create the home of your dreams. When you begin your search for an architect, make sure you contact a reputable firm because a high level of expertise in this area and using only the finest materials are necessities in building your dream home in the mountains.

Whether it is the amazing scenery, the privacy or the culture, if you know the mountains are where you want to be, now is the time to make it happen. Never before has employment been as versatile as it is today. Real estate is changing. The big bustling cities have far less appeal than they did in decades past. State of the art modern architecture gives you many new and even sustainable options for mountain living. The mountains are calling you!