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Starting a New Life in Rural America: 21 Things You Need to Know Before You Make Your Move Paperback – January 1, 2006

by Ragnar Benson (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 38 ratings
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Has the threat of urban terrorism, debacles like the disastrous response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans or just the general hassle of city life got you thinking about moving to the country? Good idea, but before you pull up stakes, here's a chance to learn about some of the realities of rural living that you might never have faced in your city or suburban home. Ragnar Benson grew up on a farm and has lived in the sticks for decades, and he has helped dozens of transplants settle into their new homes in the country. Now he has gathered his advice into this handy familiarization manual to introduce you to some of the issues you need to know about life in rural communities. Get an informed head-start on the adventure, independence and tranquility of a new life in rural America.
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  1. Print length
    194 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Paladin Pr
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 2006
  5. Dimensions
    5.75 x 0.47 x 8.42 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1581604939
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1581604931
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Paladin Pr (January 1, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 194 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1581604939
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1581604931
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 0.47 x 8.42 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 38 ratings

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Ragnar Benson

Ragnar Benson

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
38 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Avid reader
5.0 out of 5 stars NativeHoustonian
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2007
Verified Purchase
This is a great book to start with if you think you want to move to 'the sticks', as the author puts it. Benson's writing is strightforward, easy to read, and right to the point. This is not a detailed everything-about-everything book, but he does give links to useful information if you choose to pursue a certain topic further -- one reason it might be wise to start with this book as a means to see which (if any) more books you might need to purchase.

Benson covers everything from picking your land, real estate issues, dealing with pesky 'critters' and managing your septic tank, to integrating smoothly into rural community life and rural etiquette. I have extended family that grew up and reside in the country, but I didn't know nearly as much about their lives as I thought I did. This book helped me realize there is a big difference between country living on an acre or two, with a little extra grass to mow and room for a garden, and truly RURAL living. After reading this book, you will know without a doubt whether or not rural living is for you. I highly reccommend this book as a great place to start.
56 people found this helpful
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cossan512
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2010
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I would have given it 4.5 stars, but I didn't think it was perfect. I would say if you are thinking about building or buying a place out in the country and have never lived there, this is a MUST read. Very easy conversational style, full of practical considerations and solutions to help you understand what kinds of things you need to think about before buying or building a place out in the sticks. I think this book will save a city slicker a lot of unnecessary grief when moving out to the country. Great book.
7 people found this helpful
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Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Pros and cons of country living:- a realistic approach
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2015
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Very thorough coverage of all the major aspects about rural living you need to know if you're a suburbanite or city feller. Each of these major areas has a chapter dedicated to it. Based on this book I learned what to consider, look for, and avoid in looking for country property. Also the advantages and how to best enjoy them, as well as the drawbacks and how to deal with them successfully. This isn't the romantic back-to-the country dream stuff you find in magazine articles. It is a very realistic portrayal that might make you reconsider how far out in the sticks you want to be, and whether country life really is for you. If it's not, this book is a cheap education that will prevent you from making a huge mistake.
One person found this helpful
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James M Pallas
3.0 out of 5 stars SOS
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2014
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Unlike some of the other books written by Benson, this book was not unique. I'm a great fan of Ragnar but this book didn't impart any information that I haven't read about a thousand times before.
2 people found this helpful
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Jeff Szuhay
5.0 out of 5 stars basic and essential information
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2015
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If you've lived in a rural area, nearly all of this will seem like common sense. But for those who only know the ways of the city or suburbs, this is a valuable overview to the ways of the country. Ignore this at your peril.

By even knowing not to appear demanding or antagonistic to local customs and service providers will go a long way in becoming a welcome neighbor.
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dale sr
4.0 out of 5 stars gave some good advice, the chapter on energy
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2016
Verified Purchase
gave some good advice, the chapter on energy, specifically on buy versus leasing a propane tank was some sound advice. a quick search turned up several company's that are willing to sell a propane tank, fyi, try to buy a tank from out side the state that you want to live in, so that you don't get stuck with what ever you find in your state. and also check the zoning requirements where you want to live, as there may be restrictions.
One person found this helpful
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The Hermit
5.0 out of 5 stars If you are thinking of moving to the country, read this first.
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2008
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In 1986, I left the Marine Corps and moved to a sparsely settled county in the mountains of Appalachia. I've lived here ever since. Having that experience, I can say that Benson is very astute at pointing out issues that can arise in a rural environment, and in suggesting methods of dealing with them. The book costs very little, and if it saves you from just one gaffe in your new surroundings, it will be money well spent.
45 people found this helpful
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Sound Sleeper
4.0 out of 5 stars Useful book
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2010
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I would rate the book 4.5 stars if I could. Author likes to write small books, I wish the book was twice as long. He also mentions (several times) a neighbor several miles away. It is difficult to believe that average spread by a transplant amounts to several thousand acres. As a whole the book is great; sometimes it have given me a new perspective on things. I wish I found the book sooner (would have saved me some hurdles).
One person found this helpful
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