How far out is too far out - is country living right for you?

It sounds to wonderful: a few acres, seclusion, a pond, maybe a creek, a large garden, no direct neighbors, wildlife.....

Just to make sure: I am a fan. We live 5 miles out of Corvallis and I LOVE it, we have chicken, even a rooster or two or three (depending what those chicks that hatched 2 months ago will turn out to be), we have a garden and a little creek and wonderful peace and quiet. But school is also just a bit over a mile for our younger son and under 10min to drive for the older one and that will stay that way all through high school. Shopping is a max of 10min.

5 Miles are fine, escpecially if the road is paved and you are approaching town from the side where all the shops are. Last minute shopping is not an issue, driving the kids is a breeze and the school bus stops in front of the house.

But what if you are further out? From experience I can tell you, it can be a true pain. Forgot the milk? Back and forth will be 40min at least. Getting up a  bit earlier in the morning to get the kids to school or the bus stop is one thing, if the children need to ride the bus with all it's stops and turns for over 1 hour before school starts it will be not so great.

It also is cooler out there, there might be higher elevation, so the chance of snow and ice is higher. Play dates and entertainment access might be a pain, you will be much more of a home buddy when you live 20min away from anything.

Commutes are longer, shopping needs to be planned well, with infants you need to have everything with you when going out or you have to drive back and forth 3/4 of an hour to get it.

Those are the practical and not so romantic parts of living far out. And before you sign on the dotted line think about that.