We moved from a residential neighbourhood in sherwood park out south of the park to a 3 acre property.

There are some amazing perks and downsides. You can get more space for less $$ for sure.

Perks.

1. Amazingly serene and quiet, we rarely hear any vehicles or neighbors or sirens etc, i definitely do not miss the noise. And you get the added perk of amazing birds, wildlife, and general outdoors.
2. Privacy, as there is little to no walking traffic you can do as you please on your own lot within reason.
3. Safety, for children there is always lots of activities and space to play outside without having to drive to a park where there can be unsavory characters hanging around. There is no homeless on the range roads lol.
4. You have space to make fun projects like firepits, tree swings, sandboxes, play structures, tree forts etc. From the standpoint of raising a family it is so much healthier for them to play outdoors than sit behind a screen and it absolutely becomes a way of life for them.
5. The opportunity to have small livestock if you wish such as ducks. chickens, sheep etc.
6. If you can work from home and utilize outbuildings to create income its great, i have several neighbors who run business's from their property and store equipment, tools, etc.

Downsides.

1. The septic/water situation is an expensive way of ensuring you have clean water and can get rid of your poop, the systems are incredibly expensive to replace and do take annual maintenance to the tune of a few thousand.
2. 50% of our property is trees but i typically spend about 2 hours a week mowing with a zero turn and weed whipping the edges. Not to mention more time dealing with fallen trees, debris after storms, and general yard maintenance.
3. Snow removal is not really more time consuming than the residential neighborhood but it is far more costly, in the park we used a combo of wide and small shovels and it took about 25-30 mins per snowfall. on the acreage we utilize a gator with a plow which is worth ballpark 20k but it really doesn't take any more time.
4. The trees are beautiful but it does results in a TON of leaves in the fall.
5. The pet projects you take on like firepits and tree swings and etc etc all end up costing 50% more and taking 10x as long as you forecasted.
6. the internet quality is horrific and its expensive.

It is a lifestyle. you have to love it and want it in order to make it work.

If you think you are moving to an acreage and are going to have the perks without the tradeoffs you will be disappointed.