When it comes to feeling at home in your house, the outside is just as important as the inside. Your outdoor space is bound to be the setting of countless precious memories. Maybe it’s having tea in the garden with your mother, teaching your child how to swim in your pool, or immersing yourself back into nature by swimming in the lake or river right in your backyard.

When you live on the water, that dream easily becomes a reality. However, there are a few important things to know when you live so close to a natural body of water. Here are three things you should expect when living on the water.

1. Wildlife

With water comes various types of aquatic wildlife. From fish to frogs to geese, there are numerous animals you’ll likely see when you live near the water. It’s important to remember that they are to be respected. Maintain your distance and refrain from feeding them to keep them from coming too close to your home. As long as you make an effort to share the environment with them in a peaceful fashion, you’ll likely find they add an extra sense of tranquility and natural beauty to your outdoor space.

2. A Quiet Atmosphere

When you live in a densely populated area, you’re going to suffer from noise pollution. It could be car horns or loud neighbors or babies crying or construction work. It’s no wonder that finding a moment of complete tranquility while living in the city can be a tall order. In fact, in some cases, it’s completely impossible.

However, when you live on the water, your odds of enjoying some peace and quiet are much higher. For example, if you live on a lake, the houses in your region are probably more spaced out. This means you won’t be able to hear every one of your neighbors’ conversations or the dogs barking or the construction work taking place up the road. Instead, you’ll replace those noises with the soothing sounds of waves crashing against the shore and the tide rolling back out.

3. A Happier Disposition

When you live on the water, you can expect to find yourself feeling happier and more at peace with your life. In fact, there have been several studies which indicate that when people are closer to nature, they feel less stressed, and their mood and overall health improve drastically. While many of these studies have focused on the health benefits of green spaces, researchers have started to delve into the benefits of living near blue spaces. So far, the findings have been promising. The results of one 2017 study, for example, revealed a positive association between more exposure to outdoor blue spaces and better mental health and wellness.

Experiencing the natural beauty of local wildlife, escaping the noise of the city, and better mental wellness – these are just a few of the many rewards you’ll reap when you decide to live near the water. Why not discover all the wonders for yourself?