In rural southern Indiana, Ryan and Megan traded the fast-paced streets of Indianapolis for a hunting property and site of their future home; a move fueled by a dream of slower living and a deep connection to the outdoors.
Ryan, a sales director, spent three years convincing Megan to leave the city and the couple officially moved in 2022. Today, they say the transition has redefined their family’s priorities.
The Big Picture
Megan and Ryan first purchased their land in 2016, initially using it as a weekend getaway. The draw of their chosen family — Ryan’s college friends who live on the adjacent property — eventually made the move permanent.
"I loved where we lived and I loved my job. I wasn’t ready to move," said Megan, a middle school health teacher. "After about three years of trying to convince me, we moved down here. I have no regrets. I do love it."
Room to Roam
For the entire family, the land is more than a home; it is a tool for wellness and education. Ryan uses the time he describes as off-the-grid to decompress from his corporate role. Megan incorporates her hobbies of gardening and beekeeping into her health classes. Their children now spend more time outside, fishing and golfing than they did in their suburban neighborhood.
"I am trying to teach my kids about nature and deep breaths and how good it is for your soul to be outside and de-stress," Megan shared.
The Financial Foundation
The family is currently on their third project with lender Rural 1st, including a refinance and now construction of a custom home. Ryan credits Rural 1st’s one-time close construction loan and digital build management tool for keeping the project on schedule.
Our Loan Officer lives out in the country, as well. Knowing that I can talk to her about something out here and she’ll understand, it’s fantastic.— Ryan, Rural 1st Customer
"It's really that personal feeling," Ryan shared. "I know I can text, call or email and I’m always going to get a response." They also noted that their loan officer participated in calls with their financial advisor to ensure the project stayed within budget despite rising construction costs.
Beyond the Build
As the drywall goes up, Megan and Ryan are focused on the long-term benefits of their new life. They are planning to utilize Rural 1st’s conversion program*, a cooperative benefit that allows them the possibility to convert to a lower interest rate every 12 months under the right conditions.
Megan and Ryan credit the conversion program* for driving their 12-month timeline. "It makes us kind of push to get the project done faster so then if the rates do drop, we could be ready for that conversion," Ryan said.
This property helps me decompress. A lot of times I'll leave the phone here at the house... It's a great stress reliever for me.
— Ryan, Rural 1st Customer
Beyond the construction, the family is focused on the legacy of their rural lifestyle. "What matters to us is family, friends and the outdoors," he said. "It's a great lifestyle to lead and I certainly am glad I'm living it." Megan added, “I didn’t expect the slower pace of living, but I love it. I like the quietness. I sit outside, drink my coffee, listen to the animals.”
Want to finance your own hunting property or rural home? Connect with a Rural 1st loan officer in your area today to learn more.
*Provided that eligibility requirements are met. Conversion has a one-time fee of $750.00. Terms and Conditions may apply. The fee is subject to change without notice.
