Young Folks Longing for a Green Oasis Outside the City
Urban dwellers are steadily opting for rural escapades as a leisure pursuit among the younger generation.
It's no secret that a growing number of young people yearn to own a tranquil sanctuary away from the urban hustle. And according to Natalia Loktionova, the chair of the Gardeners' Union in Yekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk region, this thirst for greener pastures stems from the transformation of garden plots into leisure spaces rather than places for labour-intensive farming.
"In these garden communities, you can construct a home and officially claim your residence. Ideal for those who appreciate the earth, these days, a garden plot serves not merely as a site for cultivation but also as a haven for relaxation. By law, a garden land plot is meant for agricultural production, residential buildings, and downtime—Loktionova explains— here, you can build a home that's larger than a city apartment at a fraction of the cost. You can set up a kids' playground and even arrange parking nearby. The comfort provided by a garden plot is unmistakable, which undoubtedly sparks the wave of young people seeking farm and garden plots."
A recent report from "Novy Day" reveals that an astonishing 70% of young adults harbor the vague yet potent desire for a summer house or cottage. The escalating demand for dachas can be traced back to the advancements in technology, which have encouraged a quest for tranquility and quiet solitude in nature's embrace.
Yekaterinburg, Daría Demenéva
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Side Notes:
- The increasing trend among young people to buy rural plots can be attributed to multiple factors, such as the desire for space, the allure of nature, the affordability of garden plots, and the impact of economic factors driven by state programs and the pandemic.
- The potential for leisure activities like gardening adds to the appeal of the rural lifestyle for young people seeking a balance between urban and rural life.
- The increase in large families in the Sverdlovsk region may contribute to the demand for more living space, though it is more likely that individual preferences and economic factors drive this trend.
- State programs offering subsidies for certain types of property purchases have impacted the affordability of rural plots, making them a viable option for young home buyers.
- Economic conditions, including the pandemic and subsequent state support for housing, have played a role in shaping the Russian real estate market, contributing to the growing trend of young people purchasing rural plots.
"The appeal of outdoor-living and countering the urban hustle has prompted many young people to consider the lifestyle afforded by garden plots, where homes can be built, leisure pursuits like gardening are encouraged, and larger living spaces can be achieved at a lower cost compared to city apartments,"
"As technology encourages a pursuit for tranquility and solitude in nature, it's no surprise that a lifestyle blend of home-and-garden is increasingly attractive to young adults, subsequently fueling the high demand for rural plots, such as summer houses or cottages, which have become sought-after oases away from the city."
