Choosing to live in the mountains is something that many people consider. If you have a desire to stay in a peaceful and beautiful place, as well as trying to find some adventure in your daily routine, it’s the option. Charming scenery, clean air, potential life changes, and improved physical activity are just some of the main factors that encourage people to move to a mountainous area. Thanks to the large number of peaks and ridges, Europe can provide almost limitless opportunities for a peaceful life in the mountains.
Choosing the Right Region
The Alps
The most popular mountain ranges in Europe are the Alps which stretch approximately 1,200 km through Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France, Germany. Visited for awesome natural beauty, the Alps have a mix of rustic and ultra-contemporary facilities or wherever business thrives. Resorts like Zermatt in Switzerland or Chamonix in France would be ideal for those who seek the charm of village life and still have easy access to good infrastructure, shops, restaurants, and other amenities.
Picos de Europa
The Picos de Europa is a region that is endowed with both cultural and natural resources. Boasting limestone mountains, steep valleys, forests, and beautiful little villages, this area has been a Mecca for nature enthusiasts. Picos de Europa hiking is a paradise for trekkers and those in search of solitude. It has impressive scenery. There is the national park, which is the first National Park in Spain that was created in 1918. This protected zone is an important region from where countless species of plants and animals such as the Cantabrian brown bear and the Iberian wolf can be seen.
In addition to the natural attractions, the history and culture of the region are equally interesting. Local food or local dishes that can be savored in the region include the tasty blue cheese known as “Cabrales” made in the caves of the Picos.
The Carpathians
One of the lesser-known natural gems of Europe is the Carpathian Mountains that extend over Central and the eastern parts of the continent. Romania and Slovakia have relatively cheap prices for living in beautiful landscapes with well-preserved traditions of rural mountain dwellers. For the traveler who wants to get far off the beaten path in a wilderness mountain setting, the Carpathians may be more inviting.
Housing in Mountain Areas
Selecting the right property in the mountain area is a quest in itself. There are vast differences in the style, size, and available amenities of properties located in Europe’s mountainous regions. Housing type will depend on individual requirements, affordability, and accessibility to services.
This type of housing can be in the form of cabins and cottages to more luxurious apartments in skiing facilities. Chalets are especially common in the alpine region and have wooden beams and other characteristics of traditional designs to offer the warm atmosphere of a typical mountain house. But, chalets are costly especially when situated in a popular tourist place. If the budget is tighter, explore the less touristy mountains or choose contemporary lofts or townhouses.
The weather conditions in the mountains also pose a serious challenge, especially in winter, so an energy-efficient home with the right insulation and heating device becomes an essential commodity. Older mountain houses have fireplaces or wood stoves, but you can opt for modern energy solutions such as solar or geothermal energy. When you are planning to buy a house, predict the amount of energy it will require and whether it meets the energy needs of modern homes.
Adapting to Mountain Life
Life in the mountains is not the same as life in the city. Although people moving from crowded cities find the environment suitable for their new lifestyle, they should prepare themselves for their new life at high altitudes.
It is important to note that mountainous areas are characterized by significant fluctuations in weather conditions, particularly in Europe. It is green and warm in the summer months, but winters can be long and cold and snowy. In winter in the mountains, you need to have enough food and fuel to transport your goods, good equipment to clear the roads of snow, and a well-equipped car to pass through snowy areas.
Staying in high altitudes can also affect your health especially if you are not used to the new environment. Some get altitude sickness or have problems with adaptation to the thinner air. Besides, geographical conditions, such as cold temperatures and long distances between healthcare facilities, necessitate additional precautions. Make sure you have a medical facility for access either locally or in the neighboring town.
In conclusion, the idea of moving to the mountains can be encouraging as life there will be shielded by nature, silence, and adventure. Nevertheless, take into account the issues and changes you might face at higher altitudes. With the right research on the area of interest, good preparation for weather changes, and knowledge of some legal requirements, relocating to the mountains can be the best thing ever.
We hope you found this blog post on Moving Guide: Relocating To The Mountains useful. Be sure to check out our post on Buying a Cabin in The Smoky Mountains: Key Considerations for more great tips!
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