Living like the Outdoor Boys

Anatta Blue Chankhunthod

July 11, 2025

One of the most common questions asked as ice breakers at gatherings, or even dates: Would you prefer to live in the mountains or near a beach? I believe that living in the mountains is much more preferable than living near a beach due to the numerous benefits living in the mountains offers.

First of all, mountain life is drastically different from beach life. Coveted as a natural tourist attraction as well as a gathering place, beaches often have coastal cities with high populations due to the popularity of the beach. In contrast, mountains typically offer fewer crowds and more solitude, making them ideal for people who value peace and tranquility. Furthermore, even on a hill with numerous houses on it, the spread-out nature of the locations offers even more privacy, which can be viewed favorably. Due to this trend of being less populated, mountain communities tend to come together in a tight-knit, self-reliant culture, which appeals to people who want a community with simpler living. 

Secondly, living in the mountains means that nature surrounds you, which offers a multitude of benefits. For example, due to the higher elevations, the air on the mountains is more likely to be cleaner than the air in a coastal city, as there is no industrial or urban population in the mountains. Additionally, living at these higher altitudes can have some health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health and boosting the red blood cell count, although this might not apply to everyone. Furthermore, being surrounded by nature encourages an active lifestyle, as mountains offer many activities, such as mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, etc, which ultimately improve the general health of people who live in the mountains.

Finally, living in the mountains offers economic benefits, due to the fact that a mountain house is more affordable than a beach house, and that beaches face more natural disasters than mountains, meaning there is less to repair. Depending on the religion, living in the mountains can be less straining on your finances than a high-demand beachfront property, which, more often than not, comes with inflated taxes and real estate costs. Furthermore, while mountains are still susceptible to wildfires and landslides, beaches are more prone to hurricanes, flooding, and erosion, making mountains less vulnerable to weather-related natural disasters. 

Overall, while living on a beachfront home seems like paradise for many, living in the mountains gives unparalleled benefits to those who live there, ranging from peace, an active lifestyle, and more affordable living.