Tips for Moving to a Mountain Town

Moving to a mountain town will bring unique opportunities for those used to living in a coastal or Midwestern city. However, it might also present some new challenges. To help your move go more smoothly, here are a few things to consider about living in a mountain town.

Be Prepared for Awesome Beauty

The natural beauty of mountain towns is breathtaking. The peaks and valleys, trees and grass or snow are all around you. Natural beauty provides recreation opportunities and helps dissipate anxiety and stress. 

Take Altitude Seriously

Altitude sickness might be a factor. It occurs when your body cannot adapt to the low pressure, low oxygen levels that occur at altitudes above 8,000 feet. If you’ve lived at low altitudes for several years and suddenly move to higher ones, you may experience fatigue, headaches, nausea, and trouble sleeping until your body adjusts.

One way to lessen the possibility of experiencing altitude sickness is to move more slowly, taking time to stop for a day or two along the way at intermediate altitudes. Also, drink more water than you usually do when you arrive in a high-altitude city.

Plan Ahead

Running to the grocery store isn’t as easy in mountain towns as in a big city. So you’ll want to plan ahead for shopping excursions because the nearest store might be several minutes away.

You may also buy groceries for two weeks at a time or more. However, weather and road conditions can be harsh, so you’ll want to prepare for the possibility that you’ll be shut inside your home for several days at a time.

Making Friends

Mountain towns are generally tight-knit communities, and making a connection is often easy. You can meet your neighbors by regularly visiting coffee shops or diners, joining a club or gym, or volunteering for community boards.

Mountain folks tend to be loyal friends and to look out for one another. Sometimes they also carpool for shopping trips to the city.

Mountains Will Challenge Your Fitness

Jogging and walking in the mountains require a lot more stamina than doing so on flat ground. So if you anticipate a move to the mountains, start increasing your fitness level months before by jogging and doing resistance training.

Respect the Wildlife

From deer to elk to moose, you will likely encounter large animals on the road and in the wild. Stay safe by paying attention to the speed limits and signs posted in your area that warn about the wildlife. When you see these animals in the wild, be respectful and cautious by giving them space.

Also, you might need to adjust your habits in others ways too. For instance, you might experience bears in your mountain town. Respect the rules of your area. While most people don’t intentionally feed bears, newcomers may do so unintentionally. For example, putting trash in a dumpster outside without locking it or leaving food in a car can bring bears running for a quick meal.

Make Your Move to a Mountain Town

Generally, there’s less noise and light pollution in the mountains, which is beneficial if you struggle with insomnia. Mountain towns also tend to be more affordable than city living.

If you feel inspired to move to a mountain town, we can help with your move. Contact us for a free quote.