In Spain, there is a growing discussion about why young people are choosing to move from cities to rural areas. This trend affects not only demographics but also changes the traditional way of life. Sara’s story, as someone who picked a secluded home far from the urban bustle, vividly illustrates the challenges and discoveries faced by those who make such a decision.
Sara Saarenpää, only 23 years old, grew up among the forests and open spaces of Northern Europe. City life always felt cramped to her, with its noise and hustle proving exhausting. A year ago, she bought a house on the seashore in the small village of Tervola, where the nearest neighbor is half a kilometer away and several kilometers separate her from the main road. Her decision to move coincided with a breakup, so Sara set out on her new life alone, taking only her cat. Later, a rare breed dog—an East Siberian Laika—joined them.
The journey and work
Sara has to work in the city of Oulu, and sometimes in Rovaniemi, which means daily commutes of over 110 kilometers. For many Spaniards, these distances seem incredible, but for residents of northern Europe, they are part of everyday life. Sara admits that the long drive has become an integral part of her routine, but she has no regrets about her choice. The ability to work remotely partly eases her situation, although commuting still takes up a significant portion of her day.
Moving to the countryside requires not only patience but also new skills. Sara learned how to heat her home on her own, use tools, and take care of the garden. In the fall, together with her sister, she painted the facade and installed a suspended ceiling. Every completed project gives her a sense of pride and confidence in her own abilities.
Solitude and Change
Living alone in nature turned out to be not only a challenge but also a source of inspiration. Sara notes that she is no longer afraid of silence and darkness; on the contrary, she finds a unique charm in them. The windows of her house look out onto a dense forest, and the change of seasons has become a true spectacle for her. Sometimes, coming home, she sees the northern lights right from her own garden—these moments are unforgettable.
Over time, Sara became more self-reliant and learned to make decisions without outside advice. She admits that not everything works out right away, but it is overcoming difficulties that makes her stronger. For her, it is important to have a place to bring her ideas to life and to see the results of her own efforts.
New Horizons
Moving to the countryside changed Sara’s character. She became more resilient, learned to handle unexpected situations, and appreciate simple joys. Despite the challenges, she does not regret her decision and believes that it is here she found harmony and inner freedom.
In recent years, more and more young people in Europe and Spain are choosing to live outside major cities. They are drawn by the opportunity to be closer to nature, manage their own households, and build homes on their own terms. Such changes require courage and a willingness to adapt, but many say that solitude helps them find new meaning and strength for personal growth.
Similar stories are becoming increasingly common in Spain. Young families and individuals are moving to sparsely populated regions, restoring old houses, and mastering new professions. Some provinces have even introduced special support programs for those who take this step. These changes are impacting the economy, infrastructure, and way of life in entire regions, opening up new prospects for rural development.
