My wife and our family went rural in 2010 and never looked back. I agree with everything you said, Bob.
As far as the driving, it isn't bad. My mom and dad live outside Atlanta and were telling me that they like having a grocery store a couple miles away rather than 10 miles like me. In reality though, it takes them 15 minutes to go the 2 miles and it takes me 10 minutes to go the 10 miles, so who lives closer to the grocery store? Plus, the scenery is far more enjoyable on my ride!