Ditch the City and Go Country : How to Master the Art of Rural Life From a Former City Dweller

The No-Nonsense Guide For Country Dreamers

Though moving to the country takes determination, every ex-urbanite says it was the best decision they ever made. The same rings true for Alissa Hessler, who relocated from Seattle to rural Maine years ago and has never looked back. In this book she uses her wit, charm and experience to help you chart a path to successful country living.

Ditch the City and Go Country covers the ins and outs of how to find a home, how to keep your current job remotely or where to look for a new one, how to own livestock and prepare for disasters, how to make a smooth transition and become a part of your new community and how to embrace the seasons. With this must-have guide, you’ll be able to stop daydreaming and finally live the life you’ve always wanted in the country.

Alissa Hessler was inspired to launch her blog Urban Exodus after relocating to Maine in 2011. She has been featured in Modern Farmer, Popular Photography, Click Magazine and Maine Home.

"This 'outsider’s guide to a rewarding life in the country' is both a practical and inspiring treatise for folks dreaming of greener pastures."
–Publishers Weekly

“This genius guide to going rural walks wannabe ex-urbanites through every step of the transition, from growing food to gaining community acceptance. Alissa Hessler delivers solid practical advice with compassionate ‘been there myself’ wit.”
–Sarah Gray Miller, Editor-in-Chief of Modern Farmer

“Perfectly balancing the clothes line of educational and entertaining, Alissa has us wanting to flee the city in our rubber boots, and eat peas in the garden. This book is a must-have guide for all those ready to leave the city.”
–Ben Ashby, Editor-in-Chief of FOLK Magazine

“This book is an invaluable road map for anyone thinking of taking the leap to the country. Honest, informative, engaging and fun to read, it will inspire you to break your city chains and go country.”
–Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, Founders of Beekman 1802

“Alissa delivers ‘real talk’ about what country life is like. I laughed, beamed and sometimes cringed with recognition at Alissa’s open-eyed (but never starry-eyed!) town-to-country take.”
–Courtney Maum, Bestselling author of I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You