The ‘tree change’ phenomenon: why people change their lives and choose nature

What is a ‘tree change’ and why do people do it?

For as long as we have existed, people have yearned for simpler and more meaningful lives. Today, that desire is being fulfilled in a new movement called “tree-change”. It’s the process of making the move to give up fast-paced city life, move to a regional setting, and live a simpler life with nature. In this blog post, you are going to learn the major reasons why so many people in Australia are moving from cities to small towns, and advice on how you can join them by making the same move yourself.

What is tree change living really like?

The idea behind tree change living is that people choose to leave the hustle and bustle of the big city to start a new life in the bush or country; whether it’s a property in Perth’s Hills or somewhere further afield. Often, people who live in the city fantasize about starting a different life away from the pressures of their world. As it turns out, there is actually a term for that.

At its heart, a ‘tree change’ is the act of moving away from the concrete jungle to a more peaceful life in a nature-based setting surrounded by open spaces; a reference to the similar coastal dream of a ‘sea change’.

Why would someone change their life and opt for a simpler one?

There are many reasons why people choose a tree change; ultimately, a city lifestyle can offer many benefits but isn’t suited to everyone. Many are looking for something else; a slower pace, a peaceful setting, a space to unwind.

Depending on your circumstances, you may find that you feel truly satisfied with your life as it is. Or, you may find that you still have an itch that needs scratching; a desire to create a more tranquil way of being.

Before you decide to make the move, it’s a good idea to understand what drives people to change their lives. Here are the top reasons people change their lives for a simple life.

8 Reasons People Change Their Lives for a Tree Change

Lower-stress lifestyle.

If you live in a big city, you are often in a culture where it is commonplace to work long hours and go home feeling stressed out, exhausted, and unfulfilled. This is one of the biggest reasons why people dream of a tree change; the desire to have those day-to-day struggles lifted away and replaced with a gentler way of life.

Sustainability.

In some cases, a tree change appeals for sustainability reasons. Living on a rural or semi-rural property can be an eco-friendly way of life when you factor in things like solar panels, rainwater tanks, growing your own produce, and reducing your energy use by simply spending a greater proportion of your time in nature.

Community.

Cities are often loud and hectic; often people go about their day without giving much thought to their neighbours. Even in the suburbs, not all areas have an established sense of local community. Giving up the hustle and bustle for a property near a small rural town may be ideal for those looking for more close-knit connections to their neighbours.

Nature.

Many people want to move to a country town in order to be closer to nature. Whether you want to spend more time outdoors with your family, love looking out your window to endless greenery, or dream of having space for horses, many people do find that they are happier living life in the country.

Simplicity.

Some people change their lives for a simpler lifestyle because they have found that they have been overcomplicating their lives. They might have a goal to declutter their lives, or focus on what is truly important. One example of this is when a couple is ready to retire; they may choose to create a relaxing sanctuary amongst the trees to complement their shift away from working life.

Health and Wellness.

Some people opt for a tree change in the interest of improving their health and wellness. Whether the appeal is the fresh air, the new places to explore on walks, wanting to avoid frequent takeaway meals, a general sense of peace, or simply having the open space to grow their own fruit and veggies; there are many reasons why a tree change appeals in this area.

Life’s perfect middle ground.

For some, a tree change might actually involve moving closer to the city. For example, if you’ve lived and worked on farms for years but miss being close to friends and family, you might choose to move from a fully rural setting and find your new piece of real estate in a semi-rural setting. The Perth Hills are the location of choice for many in this position; creating an ideal balance between natural surroundings and access to amenities, workplaces, family, friends, and schools.

3 Steps to Having Your Own Simple Life In Natural Surrounds

Identify what is important to you.

There are so many options for these large lifestyle changes on the market, with some being better than others. You want to choose a tree change path that really resonates with you. The first step towards having your own simple life amongst nature is to identify what is important to you. You can even write a list of things that are important to you, which will guide you through the subsequent stages of the process; from transport and shops to schools for your children.

Do some research.

Once you know what is important to you, you can start researching locations that suit your needs. There are many options out there, and it is important to find one that appeals to you and your needs. For example, life in a semi-rural location is quite different from living in a more remote rural area, and the level of amenity you require easy access to may determine which is the best fit for your next stage.

Put a plan into action.

Once you have found a lifestyle that appeals to you, it is time to put a plan into action. Ultimately, the decision to make this move is up to you. Once you are set on making the change, reach out to a tree-change specialist builder to begin crafting the design vision for your new life amongst nature.

Final Words

The tree change phenomenon is something that a lot of people have been talking about in recent years, and it is a trend that looks like it is here to stay. If you have ever thought about leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind to start a simpler and more peaceful lifestyle, then the tree change phenomenon is for you.

At Benlin Homes, we have helped many make the move from the city to Perth’s picturesque hills and rural areas further afield in WA. Our experts can create your dream bespoke home, enabling the new life you envision set amongst stunning natural surroundings.