Suburban vs. Rural – Questions to Ask Yourself When Finding Land

So, you grew up around horses, you rode them, raced them, cared for them, and now you want to take all of this to a new level. As an equestrian enthusiast or first-time owner, the idea of building a horse barn ignites excitement and feeds the dream. There will be many challenges ahead, but the most important decision you need to make first is where? 

This is a big decision! This will be a long-term investment for you, so you need to make all the right decisions about how modest your barn will be or how grand. Will you be looking at adding to your current suburban property or a more rural one?

The right site will make all the difference, so open your search for all the important information below to help you along the way.

Rural Properties:

• Vast acreage,

• Luxurious pastures

• Riding arenas

• Riding trails

There are clear advantages to a rural setting, as the sheer space gives horses freedom and wide open spaces, but the maintenance of a large property would be time-consuming and costly. There would be a call for additional fencing, water sources, and additional facilities available for riders, storage, and food.

If you see this as your dream or you just want an open, picturesque location, rural areas will give you all that and the flexibility to expand as well.

Suburban Properties:

• Smaller more manageable

• Require less upkeep

• Think modular stalls

• Share facilities

If your dream is less grand, suburbia might suit you to a T. You may have to share facilities with other horse lovers like local public trails or equestrian centers to supplement horses' exercise needs. But, you would have a smaller, less costly amenity to enjoy your animals.

Suburban Areas:

• Often close to veterinary clinics

• Local feed suppliers

• Clubs or riding schools

• Farrier services

There is a convenience to being central to these kinds of amenities. It can mean better care and rapid responses for both you and your horses. You can tap into social clubs, events and feel deeply connected to like minded people.

Rural Areas:

• Tranquility

• Privacy (fewer neighbors)

• Sense of escape

• Amenities may be far away

There is a trade off when going rural, longer driving distances, longer wait for medical support but you have the peace and privacy of your open spaces and no people for miles.

The cost of land in suburban or rural areas can change drastically depending on where you live.

Suburban Land is:

• Higher price per acre and hard to find

• Competition from developers can be fierce

• Lower maintenance

• Higher taxes and utilities

• Strict zoning laws

• Construction codes

• Limit on number of animals

Having said that, it could be a good investment and your re-sale value would be on the rise as well. You might find it comes to being in the right place at the right time to get suburban properties for your purpose.

Rural Land:

If you can find a piece of land to buy, you will probably get lower prices than in the ‘burbs, but you’ll also pay lower taxes.

The initial savings for the property might not be as beneficial in the long run ,as your ongoing costs will be higher. Make sure to research the term “horse barn builders near me” online to find a local contractor to work with; they’ll be able to advise you about the soil, sewage, water sources and square footage needed to build your ultimate horse barn.

The advantages of rural living:

• Open grazing

• Natural terrain

• Less traffic

• Reduced stress for horses

There is no doubt that the serenity and quiet will support the health and well being of your animals.

But, be sure to ask all the pertinent questions and have a plan of action for the what if’s.  What is the quality of the soil, water and possibility of erosion. Will you be affected b y weather changes like effects of wind, snow, ice, tornadoes and lightning. All these concerns should be managed before purchase.

The better informed you are the safer your horses and family will be.

Suburban Challenges:

• Noise and pollution

• Manure management

• Proximity of barn to houses

• Enhanced ventilation

• Specialized drainage systems

The compact spaces will require more planning and thought to ensure the barn hosts healthy, happy horses. Again, ask the questions and make sure you understand what is expected.

No matter where you buy or build, don’t forget the dream. A horse barn to suit your lifestyle, enrich your horses’ lives, and give you the beautiful building you deserve. You are considering the land, the needs of you and your animals and enlisting the advice from a local horse barn builder you should see your dream come to fruition.

Again, be sure your builder helps you with zoning laws, building requirements or limitations and the needs of everyone and every animal, then let your creativity fly!

Rural or Suburban, big or small, you can make this a reality. You are armed with a solid plan of what you want, what your animals need and a creative determination.

You can customize at will and make it a really special place that you and your family will enjoy for many happy, fulfilling years.