Many people go camping or hiking to get closer to nature. Others are so taken by the wilderness that they want the grassy meadows, wooded hills, or serene ponds to be right outside their front door.

There are many benefits to purchasing a rural home beyond the easy access to recreational opportunities. Anne Miller, writing for the National Association of Realtors, says you may find that the area's crime rate is lower and that the schools are rated more favorably. You may also be able to purchase a home for significantly less money than an urban or suburban property.

However, rural homes also come with their own unique set of challenges. Before you consider that property set back a half-mile in the forest, you'll want to make sure that you can handle its various responsibilities.

While homeowners often enjoy the isolation of a rural home, this factor can also be a disadvantage. Running errands, going to work, and other tasks will all require you to drive a significant distance. You'll need to be prepared not only for the time commitment, but also the additional gas and maintenance costs for your vehicle.

Many rural homes are several miles away from emergency services such as hospitals and fire departments. As a result, your homeowners insurance rates may be higher than you'd find elsewhere.

The road conditions may be considerably rougher than what you find in the city and suburbs. Kathryn Hawkins, writing for HGTV, says it is important to find out how your road is maintained and how well it is plowed during the winter. You may need to invest in snow tires or consider a more rugged model for your next vehicle purchase.

Unless you plan to live "off the grid," you should know how the home is equipped for certain amenities. Determine how it gets its electricity, heat, water, sewage, cable, and internet access.

Clean water is a particularly important concern. Many rural properties will get their water from a well, which could potentially be contaminated. You should always get a well test to ensure that the water is safe to use. Miller says you may also have to budget for water treatments or softening.

Test the air quality at the property as well. Hawkins says radon is particularly common in New England. If an inspection finds this harmful gas in the home, you can ask to lower the asking price or have the seller install a remediation system.

Rural properties tend to have septic tanks instead of municipal sewage. You'll need to make sure the septic system is adequately sized for the number of people in your household.

During bad weather, rural homes may be more likely to lose power due to falling trees or branches. Miller says you'll also have to be prepared to be in the dark for awhile, since rural properties are usually farther down the list for electricity restoration. If the neighborhood experiences frequent power outages, you may want to invest in a generator.

Garbage collection is a regularly scheduled benefit in cities and suburbs, but may not be offered in a rural area. Determine whether there are any private trash pickup services and how much they will cost. You may also have to be prepared for regular trips to a dump to throw away your garbage.

Rural properties give you ample opportunity to spot wildlife, but these animals may also prove to be a nuisance. Some problems include deer ravaging your garden, mice scurrying inside your walls, and bears or raccoons scrounging through your garbage. Find out how prevalent these problems are in the area and make a plan for avoiding them.

Look into any zoning permissions and restrictions that apply to the home. Hawkins says these may forbid you from making certain renovations or expansions. They may also raise some concerns about what can take place at a neighboring property, such as hunting or keeping livestock.

Rural properties may come with a significant amount of land, so you should be prepared to maintain it. These duties could include mowing an enormous lawn or keeping a long driveway clear of snow. FCS Financial, a Missouri lender specializing in rural properties, says your costs may include things such as power tools and a shed in which to store them. Alternatively, you'll need to budget to hire someone for this maintenance work.

Getting a lender and real estate agent who are well-versed in rural properties can make the transaction go much smoother. These professionals will give you an idea of the home's unique challenges and whether you'll be able to meet them.