Recently, a joint survey conducted by Citydrive, a ridesharing service, together with the analytical firm A2:Research, revealed several key trends about cottage ownership and weekend getaways among Russians. The study, reviewed by socialbites.ca, shows that 63 percent of those surveyed own a cottage, while another 14 percent rent cottages on a regular basis.
Interestingly, a sizable share of respondents questioned whether owning a summer house makes sense at all if at least one family member does not have a driver’s license. About one-third of participants, 30 percent, argued that the main hurdle to purchasing a cottage is the perceived difficulty of reaching it. In addition, 16 percent pointed to the complexities of buying land and constructing a house, while 15 percent cited financial constraints as a barrier. Roughly one in ten people said they simply do not have the time to maintain a hut.
The data also highlights a preference for proximity. Nearly half of the respondents—43 percent—own cottages within 50 kilometers of their city, with a further 28 percent located 50 to 100 kilometers away. A smaller portion, 17 percent, keep a cottage right in the city. When it comes to travel, private car use is dominant, as 41 percent typically travel by their own car, and 13 percent rely on car sharing.
Around 38 percent of participants report that travel times to their country retreat are under 60 minutes, while another 38 percent experience journeys of one to two hours. Traffic congestion is a common hassle, as 34 percent encounter it sometimes, and 15 percent face traffic on every trip. For some, the ride can stretch longer, with 16 percent needing up to three hours on the road and 5 percent enduring more than three hours.
When it comes to preferred travel days, almost a third of those surveyed believe any day is suitable for a countryside escape. Yet Fridays and Saturdays remain the favorites, rising by about 20 percent and 19 percent respectively. For travelers who want to dodge jams, Tuesdays and Thursdays are seen as the best days for country trips, accounting for roughly 13 percent. Sundays are the least popular, with only about 10 percent heading to rural properties on that day.
The survey also sheds light on social perceptions. More than a quarter of respondents believe that owning a cabin now marks a sign of accomplishment for an adult. Nearly one in ten associate cottages with fashion or status. Another 26 percent feel that cottage life is not a pastime for everyone, and 23 percent think that any family with children should consider a cottage as part of their lifestyle.
In the context of broader housing concerns across the country, the findings indicate ongoing discussions about the role of country living in modern life and how families balance work, mobility, and leisure. While the study centers on Russia, the themes resonate with readers in neighboring regions who weigh similar questions about accessibility, debt, time management, and the social meaning attached to suburban retreats.
Earlier, the issue of abandoned houses in some regions has also drawn public attention, underscoring the varied challenges that accompany rural property ownership and maintenance. These threads together portray a landscape where personal convenience, financial considerations, and social values continually shape decisions about cottages and countryside escapes.