What to Expect When Buying a Rural Home in Ottawa

Mar 19

Dreaming of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life? A rural home might be the perfect fit—more space, more privacy, and a slower pace of life. But before you trade in downtown convenience for country living, there are a few key things to consider.

Buying a rural property comes with unique challenges and opportunities, from maintaining a well and septic system to embracing a tight-knit community lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know before making the move.

1. Well & Septic: What You Need to Know

Most rural homes aren’t connected to city water and sewer systems—instead, they rely on private wells and septic systems.

✔ Wells provide your home’s water supply, meaning you’ll need to test water quality regularly.
✔ Septic systems manage wastewater, and maintenance is your responsibility—pumping every few years is a must.
✔ If a system fails, repairs or replacements can be costly ($10,000–$30,000+ for a new septic system).

💡 Tip: When buying a rural home, always get a well and septic inspection to avoid unexpected surprises.

2. Zoning Laws: More Flexibility Than the City

Rural properties often have different zoning laws than urban homes, which means more possibilities for how you use your land.

✔ Always wanted a chicken coop, hobby farm, or even a small animal sanctuary? Some rural properties allow for it.
✔ Thinking about building a guesthouse, workshop, or greenhouse? Rural zoning may allow for additional structures.
✔ Some properties have agricultural zoning, meaning you could even turn farming into a small business.

💡 Tip: Always check the zoning restrictions before buying—some areas have rules on livestock, building additions, and commercial use.

3. More Privacy, But Less Convenience

One of the biggest draws of rural living is larger lots and more space. But with that comes a trade-off—you’re often further from key amenities.

✔ More land = more privacy—no neighbours right next door.
✔ Less light and noise pollution—perfect for star gazing.
✔ Longer drives—you may be 20+ minutes from grocery stores, schools, hospitals, and restaurants.

💡 Tip: If you need quick access to healthcare or amenities, consider a rural home closer to a town like Carp, Manotick, or Rockland.

4. Small-Town Life = Tight-Knit Community

Rural living means being part of a close-knit community. Expect:

✔ Yard sales, farmers' markets, and community events—you’ll find local gems like the Navan Fair and Metcalfe Fair.
✔ More familiar faces—you’ll get to know your neighbours faster than in the city.
✔ A slower pace of life—expect fewer big-box stores and more local businesses.

💡 Tip: If you love community-driven living, a small-town atmosphere could be a perfect fit.

5. Wildlife Encounters Are Common

Living near forests and open land means more wildlife—both beautiful and sometimes risky.

✔ You may see deer, wild turkeys, and even foxes near your property.
✔ Coyotes and other predators can be a concern if you have pets or small livestock.
✔ Mice, raccoons, and other critters are more common in older rural homes—proper maintenance is key.

💡 Tip: If you have pets or livestock, invest in proper fencing and avoid leaving pet food outside.

6. Rural Internet Can Be a Challenge

Fast, reliable internet isn’t a guarantee in rural areas. If you work from home or stream TV, you’ll need to check:

✔ What providers service the area—not all major companies reach rural homes.
✔ The internet type—fiber-optic and high-speed options may be limited.
✔ Cell reception—some areas have weaker signals, which can be frustrating for calls and data.

💡 Tip: Before buying, test the internet speed at the property and explore options like Starlink or rural broadband providers.

7. Homes with Character (No Cookie-Cutter Designs!)

One of the best things about rural properties? They’re unique.

✔ You’ll find century homes with original hardwood floors, stone fireplaces, and exposed beams.
✔ Many rural homes have custom layouts instead of builder-grade designs.
✔ Larger lots allow for expansions, additions, and custom landscaping.

💡 Tip: Older rural homes may need more maintenance, so always get a home inspection—especially for electrical, plumbing, and foundation issues.

Final Thoughts: Is Rural Living Right for You?

Buying a rural home is about trade-offs—you gain space, privacy, and flexibility but might sacrifice convenience and easy access to amenities.

🏡 Consider a rural home if:
✔ You love nature, space, and a slower pace of life.
✔ You’re comfortable driving further for essentials.
✔ You’re excited about community events, markets, and fairs.

🚗 Consider staying closer to the city if:
✔ You rely on fast internet for work.
✔ You want quick access to shopping, hospitals, and schools.
✔ You’re not ready for well, septic, and property maintenance.

Thinking about moving to the country? Let’s find the perfect rural home that fits your lifestyle.