Life From Above: Adjusting to Higher Altitudes When Purchasing a Mountain Property

Living in the mountains offers a wide range of unique benefits to residents, ranging from the breathtaking views from up above to additional opportunities for privacy and recreation. This specialty property type comes with many perks, but the charm also comes with a challenge for some: adjusting to living at a higher altitude. Whether you’re headed to the Rockies, Smoky Mountains or even the elevated regions in the Ozarks, it’s essential to understand how altitude affects your body, lifestyle and well-being.

Benefits of Mountain Living

Living in the mountains provides a unique chance to immerse yourself in a new change of scenery, boasting tranquility, adventure and natural beauty. If you’re seeking a retreat from the noise of city life or wish to look at the world from a new perspective, the mountains offer peace and privacy, where you can enjoy fresh air and stunning views that stretch for miles.

Connection With Nature

Mountain living allows you to connect with nature at a more personal level. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, mountain biking or simply exploring the great outdoors, a mountain environment provides endless opportunities for adventure no further than your doorstep. Additionally, studies have shown that spending more time in nature can reduce stress, improve mental health and boost physical well-being.

Living at a higher altitude often means breathing cleaner air, especially if you’re coming from a metro area. Those with respiratory issues will particularly benefits as mountain air contains fewer pollutants and allergens.

Private & Peaceful Living

Another benefit of mountain living is how they often provide more privacy than different real estate types. Mountain real estate typically has more space between neighbors and more distance from large cities, making them the ideal property type for those seeking peace and solitude. Many of our buyers are drawn to the quiet charm of mountain living, where they can disconnect from technology and the demands of a busy life, allowing for greater relaxation and personal time.

Effects of High Altitude

While the effects of high altitude can affect everyone differently, it is important to be familiar with the symptoms to ensure you or your loved ones don’t experience altitude sicknesses or dehydration. Higher altitudes, at about 5,000 to 11,500 ft. above sea level, have thinner air, meaning less oxygen is available. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches and dizziness, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. Even at moderate elevations (5,000 – 8,000 ft. above sea level), those unfamiliar with such conditions may notice these changes until their bodies acclimate.

Over time, most people adjust as their bodies produce more red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. There are other methods for reducing symptoms such as medications, supplementing oxygen, certain therapies and taking your time as you ascend. While most experiences are not severe and improve in due time, be alert if you experience concerning levels of chest pain, difficulty staying conscious or slurred speech.

Practical Tips for Adjusting to High Altitudes:

1.      Take it Slow: Give your body time to acclimate to the higher altitudes by pacing your ascent. Don’t rush your journey and take the stops that you need. Once you’ve ascended, avoid strenuous activities like hiking or heavy lifting during your first few days.

2.      Stay Hydrated: Altitude increases the water loss you experience through respiration, so drinking plenty of water is essential. Stay hydrated throughout your day and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol while you’re experiencing altitude sickness.

3.      Eat Healthy: A nutritious diet rich in carbohydrates like pasta and breads can provide your body with an easily accessible energy source while experiencing high altitudes. Prioritizing whole grains, fruits and vegetables to fuel your body will have you feeling better in no time.

4.      Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing techniques to help you increase your oxygen intake. This is particularly useful when exercising or you’re feeling lightheaded, especially if you intend to live full-time in your mountain property.

5.      Exercise Routine: If you’re moving from a lower altitude, adapting your exercise routine once you’ve moved into the mountains is critical to properly caring for your body. Be prepared for your workouts to feel more difficult initially. Start with lighter activities and gradually increase intensity as you get acclimated to the new altitude.

Mountain Living

Living in the mountains requires several lifestyle and practical changes for a smooth experience. If you have been living in a city, by the ocean or in a small town closer to sea level, there may be many factors you have yet to consider. Such as:

·        Transportation: Mountain roads are often winding, steep and snow-covered in winter, making them more precarious than traditional roads. Make sure your vehicle is well-equipped for mountain conditions or consider investing in a new one that better suits your new property.

·        Household Shopping: Living up in the mountains may have limited options for shopping, so planning your trips for household maintenance is essential. Frequent necessities like groceries or cleaning supplies may be easier to come by than clothing stores or specialty items.

·        Energy Use: Heating costs may rise due to the colder mountain climates. Consider an energy efficient home or upgrading your house with sustainable and eco-friendly updates can save you money in the long run.

The United Country Difference

When finding your ideal mountain property, having an expert guide with proven integrity and commitment is key to a smooth real estate journey. United Country Real Estate specializes in connecting buyers with one-of-a-kind country, rural and lifestyle properties across America, including breathtaking mountain homes and land.

Discover the United Country difference by contacting one of our certified mountain property experts in your area. Through a century of innovation in real estate marketing and the largest network of specialty real estate professionals, we have earned the position as the leader in land sales. Whether you’re seeking a charming mountainside cabin for getaways or a sprawling desert ranch in the southwest, let UCRE help you discover your mountain real estate dreams.