Why More People are Moving to Rural Areas
What’s causing the shift in popularity from big-city dreams to small-town charm?
A recent Gallup survey revealed a stark increase in the portion of U.S. adults who would prefer to live in a rural area over a city. Nearly half of the people surveyed said they’d prefer a small town, marking a 9% increase from 2018, and that increase occurred across age and race demographics.
Trends in people leaving big cities and anecdotal data support the survey, too. So why the sudden change?
Mindset Shifts
Rural areas generally mean more space. Businesses, housing, and town landmarks are more spread out in rural areas, and right now, having a bit of space appeals to many of us!
As the months of lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 dragged on, those who lived in downtown apartments were left with very little wiggle room. In most cities, living with a roommate is a budgeting necessity, and the lack of personal space wore on adults nationwide.
While city life might remain appealing, it also suddenly seems fleeting and delicate — in a matter of a few days, the freedom and bustle of a crowded downtown suddenly became dangerous, deserted, and cramped.
Outdoor activities, closer proximity to family, and personal outdoor space have seen a rise in the ranks of priorities.
Cost of Living
Another factor driving people away from big cities and into rural lifestyles is the cost of living, and therefore the quality of life people can afford. If most downtown dwellers need to shack up with a roommate (or four) in order to keep the bills paid, the average rural household is much more likely to be full of family or close friends.
It’s easier to enjoy local restaurants and shops when there's a little bit extra that doesn’t have to filter straight to the rent or mortgage payment, too! With the average cost of living in rural areas staying much lower than the average in cities (even in today’s crazy market), many people are making the choice to quit downtown living in exchange for a fuller wallet and more lifestyle options.
Remote Work Opportunities
Of course, despite the fact that cost has always been a stressor for many people who lived in cities, career advancement used to be a common reason to stay. Big-city salaries and job opportunities were a core motivator for many, with young professionals flocking to coastal cities like San Francisco to try to carve a path for themselves in the tech world.
During COVID, the necessity for remote work turned office life on its head and changed the way we think about where we live and work. For many, home no longer needed to be close to where their employers were located. While some are now dealing with repercussions of employers ending remote work opportunities, others are seeking out new employers with remote work opportunities and many are seeing their original remote work options continued indefinitely.
Having the flexibility to work from anywhere has prompted many people to reevaluate their lifestyle and priorities and find a place to live that truly fits them best, instead of choosing based on an employer’s location.
With so many professionals leaving expensive coastal cities, rural towns as well as previously smaller cities are seeing a sharp influx in population. Places like Raleigh, Charlotte, Denver and Austin are growing by the day.
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