Rural living day highlights communities seeking new residents

Reve Lambur, coordinator of Rural Living Day, told ERR’s Vikerraadio that life in the countryside is best suited to active people who want to create and do something new. She encouraged those interested in rural living to visit communities seeking new residents.

“The message of the day is that when you move to the countryside, you are not simply moving into a house, but into a community,” Lambur said.

Rural Living Day has two aims, she said: to show that the countryside is a pleasant place to live and to help people considering a move assess local communities, employment opportunities and available housing.

The event also gives current residents an opportunity to learn more about the municipality where they live and to introduce new residents to the community, Lambur said.

This year, 26 rural municipalities will take part. Unlike in previous years, communities can participate directly rather than having the municipality serve as the required point of contact. This is intended to give communities that are looking for new residents the opportunity to take part.

The coronavirus period encouraged many people, including families with children, to move to the countryside and stay there, Lambur said. She described safety as one advantage, while noting that services are less readily available and families generally need a car.

Visitors can ask communities directly about the advantages and disadvantages of living there, she said.

Rural Living Day will take place on September 19.