Living in the mountains is a life-changing experience. Having lived in the Appalachian Mountains for most of my life, I guess it’s safe to say that I know the pros and cons of its lifestyle better than anyone else. While mountain life offers a great many benefits, people from the city might find it challenging and troublesome. So, continue reading this blog to know what you should consider before packing your stuff and moving to a town in the elevated region.
Factors That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked When Living in the Appalachian Mountains
- Climate
- Traffic
- Seasons
- Wildlife
1. Climate
Snow-capped mountains may look majestic and beautiful in the pictures. However, what you can’t feel in the photos is that this dry air can cause a myriad of health problems, from dry skin to rashes, allergies and static electricity are some climatic issues that one is likely to encounter after moving to the mountains.
2. Traffic
Most mountain towns have only a single main street and traffic can be at a snail’s pace during holidays or on the first of the month as residents and visitors gather to do their shopping. They are subject to experiencing heavier traffic. Just remember that expecting peace and quiet throughout the entire year may not always, be possible.
3. Seasons
The southern region of the US doesn’t experience all four seasons. While summer takes up the majority of the months of the year, winter can still be damp and warm. In the mountains, winter creeps in early and lasts through spring. This is, by far, one of the hardest things about mountain life. Many people also experience spring fever in April or May. Some may even be subjected to depression and anxiety after witnessing the cold and grey for months continuously.
4. Wildlife
Living in the mountains, I witnessed and befriended various furry animals from the forest, which I have also mentioned in my book The Appalachian Mountains- Childhood Memories. The mountainous region is awe-inspiring and beautiful partly because of the natural scenic views and partly because of the wildlife.
Living in the mountains, you are likely to encounter a large variety of animals and birds, including but not limited to coyotes, raccoons, bears, deer, elk, turkeys, and several other kinds of birds. Some animals may be a real nuisance for residents having small pets as they could get lost or attacked by other animals in the forest.
Conclusion
Mountain life may have its drawbacks, but it offers an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life-something to tell your children and grandchildren when you grow old. Read my book, The Appalachian Mountains- Childhood Memories to appreciate the fun and adventurous side of living in the mountains. Get your copy from Amazon today!