What’s Living in the Mountains Like?

If you’re looking to escape and avoid the hustle and bustle of daily life, mountain living might be for you. From breathtaking views to the fresh, clean air—living in the mountains can be a cathartic experience. Many people often talk about the mountains calling to them. Though it might be surprising, there is something to be said about the mental and physical health benefits of living at higher elevations.

Residents will tell you that the fresh air, abundance of outdoor activities, and peace are some of their favorite parts of mountain living. Today, we will explore some of the benefits of living in the mountains and how The Cliffs can assist in finding your dream mountain home. 

Related: Discover the Benefits of Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Health Benefits of Living in the Mountains

A recent study finds that two million people who live at, or above, an elevation of 14,400 feet—the height of Mount Rainier, Mount Whitner, and many Colorado and Alaska peaks—have lower rates of metabolic diseases like diabetes and coronary heart disease. While the mountains at The Cliffs average more in the range of three to five thousand feet, similar benefits can still be obtained at these higher-than-sea-level elevations. 

In the mountains, you often face varying degrees of incline as you walk around, whether on a hike or just walking through your town center. This, coupled with the thinner air, can create a strenuous situation at any moment, meaning more work is required of your body than at lower elevations. 

These lower metabolic disease rates aren’t solely due to daily trips up the mountain. Below, we will dive into the various health benefits of living in the mountains. 

Lower Blood Sugars

Researchers believe that low oxygen levels due to the higher elevation are one of the main reasons for better health. “When an organism is exposed to chronically low levels of oxygen, we found that different organs reshuffle their fuel sources and their energy-producing pathways in various ways,” says study senior author Isha Jain, PhD, a Gladstone assistant investigator. Living at these higher elevations causes the body to adapt to lower oxygen levels—a process also known as hypoxia. Those who experience hypoxia over a long period of time often gain some metabolic advantages, such as lower blood sugar levels and weight loss. These benefits are usually experienced over time and aren’t received after only a few days in the mountains—which is why moving to the mountains might be the right step to take if you are worried about metabolic diseases.

Improved Attention and Immune System

Although the studies are still being fine-tuned, there is a general agreement in the scientific community that exposure to nature can improve attention, as your brain receives a break when relaxing and observing nature. Living in the mountains not only exposes you to nature but also often does so in a peaceful setting away from a large population. There are even some studies that suggest exposure to nature can have positive effects on your immune system and its ability to fight off disease.

Fighting Depression and Anxiety

A study found that walking in the woods reduced feelings of depression and anxiety. Higher levels of green exercise, or exercise in nature, have been shown to improve mood and limit the level of depression in those already suffering from mental health issues. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains gives residents plenty of green exposure as the lush landscape hosts hiking trails and campsites available to the public.

Learn More: Top 11 Hiking Trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains

More Graceful Aging

A Harvard study found that exposure to more natural light can ease pain when recovering from surgery. Living in the mountains often exposes you to more sunlight as you explore nature, which could help aging seniors battle pain after surgery. An older study also found that 70-year-old participants who spent more time outside recorded fewer daily complaints associated with aging pains than those who remained indoors more. 

Find Your Mountain Home at The Cliffs

While all the benefits discussed above are great, you need to move to the mountains to experience them for yourself. At The Cliffs, we love helping people find their dream mountain home. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we want to help make it a reality for you!

Our communities connect you with nature without sacrificing the luxury of a modern home. Our clubs have state-of-the-art fitness facilities, host social events, and provide aquatic activities for residents and their families. If you are interested in learning more about mountain living or any of our unique mountain properties, please don’t hesitate to reach out. One of our agents will be happy to help you continue on this journey.