A house in the hills. Sounds dreamy, right? Like something out of a movie where the main character has a breakthrough moment on their balcony, staring at a sunrise that looks too perfect to be real. Well, it can be real. And you don’t even have to be a tortured artist to live there (though it probably helps).
I get it—hillside homes aren’t for everyone. Some folks love the chaos of the city, the convenience of takeout at 2 AM, the hum of traffic as their bedtime lullaby. But if you’ve ever wanted to swap honking horns for birdsong, let’s talk. Because a house in the hills? It’s got perks.
The Best Part? The Views. Obviously.
You know that feeling when you’re on vacation, standing at some scenic overlook, thinking, Man, I could get used to this? Yeah. That’s just called “Tuesday” when you live in the hills.
Picture this: morning coffee on your deck, sun spilling over the horizon, the air crisp and clean. None of that “smells like hot pavement and disappointment” vibe you get in the city. Instead? Trees. Rolling hills. Maybe a deer wandering through your backyard like it owns the place. (Spoiler: it does.)
Of course, the trade-off is that you’ll probably start saying things like, “Look at that gorgeous sky,” which is something my younger self swore I’d never do. But hey, nature changes you.
The Peace & Quiet (Until You Need a Pizza Delivered)
A house in the hills means actual privacy. No more neighbors so close you can hear their arguments through the walls. No more car alarms going off at 3 AM. Just you, your thoughts, and whatever local wildlife decides to crash your yard.
Downside? Delivery drivers hate you. My first week living in the hills, I ordered Thai food, and the poor guy called me twice, lost in the winding roads. By the time he got there, my pad see ew was more like pad see eww. Worth it? Totally.
Health Perks: Fresh Air & Accidental Exercise
Let’s be real—city air is… questionable. If you’ve ever wiped a layer of soot off your windowsill and thought, huh, I breathe this, you get it. A house in the hills comes with a built-in air purifier called trees. More oxygen, less pollution, and suddenly you’re that person who talks about “how much fresher the air is up here.”
And if you’re looking to accidentally get in better shape? Hills will do that. Forget fancy gym memberships. Just walking to your mailbox turns into a cardio workout. I used to mock those “leg day” gym bros—until I had to haul groceries up my sloped driveway. Lesson learned.
Why a House in the Hills is a Smart Move (Financially, Not Just for Your Soul)
Alright, so the peace and fresh air are great, but let’s talk about the real reason a house in the hills makes sense: money.
1. Property Value Tends to Go Up
Houses with killer views don’t go out of style. If you buy in the right location, your investment could appreciate nicely. My friend Jake bought a hillside home in 2015, and now he could sell it for nearly double. (Not that he will—he’s too in love with his outdoor shower situation.)
2. Passive Income, Baby
Ever heard of short-term rentals? People will pay stupid amounts of money to stay in a scenic, secluded Airbnb. If you don’t live there full-time, renting it out on weekends could cover your mortgage. Just imagine: you go on vacation, and while you’re gone, someone pays you to stay at your house.
3. Sustainability Perks
Hillside homes often lend themselves to off-grid options—solar panels, rainwater collection, even home gardens. (I attempted to grow my own tomatoes once. Let’s just say they died faster than my 2020 sourdough starter—RIP, Gary.) But hey, if you can make it work, you’ll save cash on utilities and feel smug about reducing your carbon footprint.
Okay, But What’s the Catch?
Not gonna lie, a house in the hills isn’t all Instagram sunsets and “look at my peaceful life” moments. There are some trade-offs.
1. The Roads Might Try to Kill You
If you’ve ever driven a winding mountain road in the rain, you know what I mean. My first winter up here, I learned the hard way that “scenic” also means “a little terrifying at night.” Snow? Forget it. You’ll need chains on your tires, or you’ll slide straight into your neighbor’s fence (hypothetically, of course).
2. Internet? Maybe.
You ever tried to stream Netflix on 3 bars of LTE? Welcome to hillside living. Some areas have fiber optic, but others… not so much. My friend Sarah, who lives a few ridges over, has to do Zoom calls from her driveway because that’s where the best signal is. Commitment.
3. Critters Will Try to Move In
Raccoons, deer, the occasional bear if you’re really lucky—living in the hills means sharing your space with the local wildlife. Leave your trash out overnight? Congratulations, you just threw a party for every animal within a five-mile radius.
So, Is a House in the Hills Right for You?
If any of the following apply to you, congrats—you’re probably built for hillside life:
✅ You love nature but also Wi-Fi (and are willing to compromise on the latter).
✅ You don’t mind a little extra driving to get to civilization.
✅ You’ve always wanted a home where you can sit on the porch and dramatically stare into the distance.
✅ You’re okay with the occasional uninvited raccoon guest.
On the flip side, if you need a five-minute commute, reliable Uber Eats, and sidewalks that don’t disappear into dirt trails… maybe keep dreaming. No judgment. Hillside living isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re craving peace, fresh air, and a view that makes you feel like you’re in a coffee commercial every morning? A house in the hills just might be your dream home.
