Why People Are Moving from Big Cities to Smaller Towns
From the fantastic nightlife to the restaurants, shopping, and museums, You’ve loved your time living in an urban setting. Several age groups – including young people and many millennials – are ditching city life for small towns. Suppose you are also considering moving from urban areas to rural areas. In that case, you might be asking yourself a straightforward question: Why are so many people moving out of Denver to smaller cities?
Why Are People Moving to Small Towns?
The reason why people are making a move from urban areas to rural settings is complex, and ultimately, there is not one simple explanation. For some people, the congested atmosphere of living in a big city isn’t worth it, and they would rather spend their evenings with actual wildlife rather than in the urban jungle.
Here are a few of the most common reasons why people are contacting Denver movers to relocate to small towns:
Low Cost of Living
From San Francisco and Portland to New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Atlanta – the cost of living in several metropolitan areas continues to rise. Living in a large city is often simply not feasible for several young people just starting out. Fewer people can afford to live in large cities when you consider the cost of everyday essentials – from your car and groceries to gas and utilities.
Lower Cost Housing
One of the biggest reasons people are leaving big cities is the cost of housing. To give you a better sense of just how cost-prohibitive living in a big city can be for most young adults and families, consider the average cost of renting a modest apartment in San Francisco, which is a whopping $3,340 a month!
Usually, lower-cost housing is available in rural areas – but don’t assume you have to move away from the hustle and bustle of a big city.
If you want to enjoy greater economic health and more opportunities for high-paying jobs but still want to live in areas where houses are more affordable – the pros and Rocky Movers can provide you with simple moving tips and help you plan your relocation to a suburb of a major city anywhere in the country.
Lower Crime Rates
Far and away, one of if not the most compelling reasons to ditch big city living in favor of the slower pace that naturally comes with residing in a rural area is the lower crime rates. Higher population growth combined with a lack of affordable housing and a lower quality of life creates an unhealthy environment in many major cities.
If safety is a consideration, and it is first for most families, you should consider contacting one of the best long-distance moving companies in Denver, Rocky Movers, to help you plan a relocation to a safer small town.
A Sense of Community and Civic Engagement
Life in the big city moves very fast, making it impossible to find friends or a community to share your and your family’s lives. If you long for a greater sense of community and want to find fulfillment and life satisfaction, moving to any of the fantastic smaller cities across the United States might be the right choice.
At Rocky Movers, we understand the allure of small-town living and can help you plan and execute a relocation that won’t break the bank.
The Rise of Remote Work
According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of people who primarily work at home nearly tripled between 2019 and 2021! Working remotely allows more people the ability to enjoy the tangible difference that comes with living in a small town while retaining their “big city” job.
Is Rural Living Right For You?
You’ve weighed the pros and cons of living in small cities or urban areas – but still aren’t sure if packing up and moving to a rural setting is the right choice for you. In addition to the lower crime rates and cost of living, you should consider other aspects of moving to a smaller town.
For example, how important is a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and bars to you? The slower pace of small-town living is wonderful, but you spend much less time window shopping and more time star gazing.
Another factor to consider is the availability of good-paying jobs. The cost of living is traditionally much lower in rural areas. However, there are also fewer opportunities for well-paying jobs, especially in the technology and healthcare sectors.
Consider both factors when determining if you are ready to change your lifestyle by moving from Colorado Springs or Denver to a smaller community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Living in a Small Town Better Than Living in a Big City?
Living in a small town offers several benefits over a big city. This includes a slower pace of life, a stronger sense of community, lower crime rates, and lower costs of living, particularly in housing. Small-town living often means less congestion, less noise, and a closer connection to nature, which can lead to a more relaxed lifestyle.
Are People Moving Out of Cities?
Yes, there’s a noticeable trend of people moving out of big cities to smaller towns and rural areas. This is being driven by a range of factors, from the increasing cost of living in urban areas, rising crime rates, and the desire for a closer-knit community. The rise of remote work has also made it possible for people to live in more remote areas without sacrificing their careers.
Where Are Gen Z Moving To?
Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) shows a trend towards smaller cities and suburbs. With the rise of remote work and online education, many in this generation are opting for places with a lower cost of living but still offer cultural amenities and a sense of community.
Are Small Towns Safer Than Big Cities?
Statistically, small towns often have lower crime rates compared to big cities. The sense of community and familiarity among residents can contribute to this, as people tend to look out for each other more in smaller communities. However, safety can vary from place to place, so it’s always recommended to research before making a move.
What State Has the Most People Leaving?
Colorado, California, Massachusets, Illinois, Michigan, Washington, and New York were among the states with the most people leaving, often due to the high cost of living.
What Cities Are People Leaving the Most?
As of 2023, some of the cities people were leaving the most included New York City, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, primarily due to the high cost of living and the increase in remote work opportunities. Again, this trend might have changed, so it’s advisable to check the latest data.
Why Do People Prefer to Live in Big Cities?
Despite the trend towards smaller towns, many people still prefer living in big cities for the opportunities and amenities they offer. Cities often provide a greater variety of jobs, cultural attractions, restaurants, shopping options, and entertainment. The diversity and vibrancy of city life can be very appealing to many individuals. However, these benefits come with trade-offs, such as higher costs of living and potentially higher crime rates.
Ready to Leap Into Small Town Life? Contact the Pros at Rocky Movers
You’ve considered all the factors and have decided that it is time to give up concrete in favor of a big backyard. The team at Rocky Movers understands just how overwhelming moving out of state can be, and we are ready to help you with every aspect of your relocation. We offer full-service relocation to small towns and urban areas throughout Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Boulder, and Fort Collins.
Local and Long Distance Movers Who Will Help You Every Step of the Way
Whether you and your family are moving out of state or across town, the fantastic crew at Rocky Movers can help every step of the way. We offer packing, local moving, cross-country, and long-distance services to the amazing people in and around Denver, CO.
Are you ready to start your new life in a small town? Contact our local and cross-country movers team for a free, no-obligation quote on all your packing and moving needs.