From Penthouse Dreams to Backyard Chickens: What I Learned Moving to the Country
When I was a kid, my dream home was a sleek penthouse in New York City. Picture it: a corner unit with floor-to-ceiling windows and skyline views in every direction. Fast forward to today… and there’s a chicken living in my dining room.
So how did I go from concrete jungle to country chaos?
Let’s rewind.
A few years ago, my husband and I were living in a brand-new, modern home—clean lines, neutral finishes, and not a speck of 1980s wallpaper in sight. We loved it. But while I always leaned more suburban, my husband dreamed of acreage. Not just a bigger backyard—he wanted acres. Woods, privacy, space to breathe.
Then 2020 hit. Like a lot of people, we realized if we were going to spend all our time at home, it needed to be somewhere we loved. So, we sold our house and moved five miles down the road… but into a completely different lifestyle.
Moving five miles away might not sound dramatic, but living in Georgia means that five miles can take you from suburban sidewalks to full-on country living.
Welcome to not just living in Georgia, but living in the country in the South. Here’s what I’ve learned.
1. Poison Ivy Is Everywhere
If you’re surrounded by woods, don’t even think about stepping outside in shorts and flip-flops. I learned the hard way: poison ivy doesn’t care how careful you think you are. Invest in tall boots. Wear long pants. And if you’re like me, be prepared for lingering effects—my case lasted over 8 weeks and required a dermatologist.
2. Snakes Are Real. And They’re Closer Than You Think.
I lived in denial for months—no snakes spotted meant no snakes existed, right? Wrong. One day we found two large snakes under our deck. Thankfully, they were corn snakes (non-venomous and actually helpful). But it was a wake-up call. Keep brush piles cleared and be mindful of where you step. Snakes love hiding places.
3. Yes, I Have a Chicken in My Dining Room
Her name is Eggnog. She’s recovering from a condition called wry neck, and because chickens are shockingly mean to each other, we had to quarantine her indoors. Pecking order is no joke—sick or injured birds get bullied mercilessly. So, until she heals, she’s hanging out near the kitchen.
4. You Don’t Need a Rooster for Eggs
Who knew? Our hens lay eggs daily without a rooster in sight. Without the crowing, they’re much quieter (mostly). We get 4–5 eggs a day from six hens. My husband even built them a custom coop with a secure run to protect them from predators like raccoons and hawks.
5. Chickens Tuck Themselves In at Night (Sort Of)
Chickens instinctively return to the coop at dusk. But you’ll still need to open and close the coop doors daily—unless you install an automatic coop door like we did. Ours opens at sunrise and closes at night based on light sensors. Total game changer.
6. Free-Range Comes with Risks
Letting your chickens roam freely sounds idyllic, but we only do it when we’re outside supervising. Predators are a real threat. That’s just part of the reality when you’re living in Georgia and trying to keep your flock safe in the wild. Our enclosed run gives them fresh air and safety—critical when you’re raising backyard chickens.
7. Trees Don’t Live Forever
We’re surrounded by towering trees—beautiful, yes, but also unpredictable. After every storm, we’re picking up fallen branches. Dead or diseased trees need to be removed proactively. And if you’re walking around on a windy day, keep an eye on what’s above you.
8. Well and Septic Systems Require Maintenance
There’s no water or sewer bill, which is great. But now we maintain our own systems. With a well, you’ll have a pump house that needs occasional service. For septic, the golden rule: flush only toilet paper. Bonus tip—blending an overripe tomato and flushing it can help introduce good bacteria to your tank. (Weird, but it works.)
9. Carpenter Bees Are Tiny House Demolition Experts
They drill holes in unsealed wood. We noticed little piles of sawdust on the porch, and it turned out they were nesting under our railing where the underside wasn’t painted. We’ve tried painting, caulking, foam spray—even makeshift traps. Still working on the perfect fix, but word to the wise: seal all your exterior wood before they move in.
Is Living in Georgia Worth It? Here Are My Thoughts
Absolutely. Country life has been a wild ride, full of things I never expected—some frustrating, some hilarious, some downright heartwarming. If you’re dreaming of making the switch, know what you’re signing up for… and maybe bring tall boots and a rake.
Want to see what life looks like out here?
Check out this video where I give a driving tour of Effingham County near Savannah, Georgia:
[Watch the video](INSERT LINK)
Thinking of making your own move? I’m Karin Carr, Realtor® and relocation expert with Georgia Coast Homes. If you’re looking to move to Georgia or South Carolina, my team can help you find the perfect place—whether it’s a penthouse, a farmhouse, or something in between.
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