Remote Work & Small-Town Living: Why Millions Are Choosing a Different Kind of Life
Remote work reshaped more than our calendars and commutes; it rewired what’s possible for our lives. In 2025, tens of millions of Americans are working remotely, and a significant share of them are using that freedom to trade big-city addresses for smaller, more livable places. When “where the office is” stops driving decisions, “where life feels right” finally gets to take the lead.
Small Town Affordability
Curious how far your housing budget goes in a big city versus a small town? Explore real 2025 data on rural vs. urban home prices, and see why small-town living can unlock more space, more land, and more life for less.
The Great Return: Why So Many Young Adults Are Leaving Cities for Small-Town Life
Discover why young adults are leaving big cities and choosing small towns for affordability, community, and creativity. Explore what’s fueling this great migration and how you can find your perfect town with MoxieTowns.
The Value of the Village: How Small Towns Model Connection
A friend and colleague and I were talking about how much we see our society disconnected and how so many are seeking community and connection. Knowing my passion about how I see this connection still ingrained in so many of our small towns, he shared an intriguing piece in The Atlantic titled “The Anti-Social Century,” published January 8, 2025.[1] The article paints a picture of society increasingly retreating into personal bubbles, choosing digital communities over the in-person kind. It’s a provoking read and echoes much of what we see in communities across the world while technology keeps us superficially connected, it can also isolate us from genuine neighborly bonds.
Are they ALL small towns?
America: A Nation of Small Towns Rediscovered
It seems the heart of America has always been beating strongest in its small towns. From the rolling hills of Appalachia to the sun-drenched streets of Florida’s coastal hamlets, small towns have long been the quiet backbone of this country. But in recent years, they’ve become something more—a destination for growth, innovation, and a new way of life. Technology, for all of its frustrations and impact, is allowing people of all ages and stages to forge new lives in our small towns.
MoxieTowns: How it started
Like many of you, I’m an idealist—ridiculously visual and experiential. My surroundings matter. They always have. It should come as no surprise that I began my career as a landscape architect and planner. Studying places, materials, people, and their relationships was something I did in my sleep. I lived and breathed design, pouring myself into creating spaces that felt intentional, places where people could truly connect with their environment.
The “third place” in a small town
In every vibrant community—whether it’s a lively city, a cozy suburb, or a quiet rural town—there’s a unique concept called the “third place.” Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, “third places” are social spaces beyond home and work (or home and school for younger people). These welcoming gathering spots are where community bonds are formed, woven together through conversations, shared celebrations, and everyday experiences. Whether indoors or outdoors, these spaces are hubs of connection, buzzing with life and open to all. Think of coffee shops filled with morning chatter, central greenspaces where children play, or pubs alive with friendly evening exchanges. In these third places, everyone is on equal ground, creating the heart of a community—a vibrant quilt of belonging and shared joy.
The Story of a Ball of Fire in the Heartland
Definitely not a woman to second guess her gut and clever instincts; she knew exactly what she would do. She pivoted and changed her major from political science to agricultural communications, determined to share the untold stories of farmers and ranchers.
It might not be for everyone, but the savings are very real.
In the midst of the swirling debate about the return to office life, it's crucial to remember that one size doesn't fit all. Not every Gen Z'er is heading back to the office, just as not every Gen X'er, millennial, or Boomer, especially those who've embraced the hybrid lifestyle and said goodbye to long commutes, is doing so either.
Bright Future for the Blue Willow Inn
We are excited to hear this news! The Blue Willow Inn in a southern culinary institution. We are cheering on for its new success.
It’s the heart
The heart of a town—it's like a compass, isn't it? Pointing us toward community, camaraderie, and that intangible sense of belonging we're all searching for. Whether it's a grand city plaza or a humble crossroads in a sleepy village, these spots serve as the anchors of our collective experience.
Connections Matter
In our drives through New Hampshire and Vermont, we didn’t just visit towns. We visited stories, dreams, and the beating hearts of communities. Can't wait to share more tales from the road!
The autumn magic is calling us north
We have had our nose to the digital grindstone lately, as we are working hard to expand our platform to share more about the amazing places. we are finding and making it easier to share! We're cooking up something quite marvelous here—imagine an artisanal blend of storytelling and digital magic to give you more of the hidden gems we've discovered.
Manners Matter
Since 2020, the pull toward the picturesque quiet of small towns has been magnetic. We yearned for landscapes where skies stretch out like endless canvases. In a world that confined us, the open fields, the meandering rivers, and the quaint downtowns whispered promises of a freedom the metropolis couldn't give. And here's the thing—freedom comes wrapped in responsibility.
Company is Coming
It is a season that calls out to us, inviting us to leave the buzz of the city for the tranquil streets of small towns. As autumn approaches, you can almost hear the whisper - “Come visit us.”
You’ve Been Waiting for This
Small-town life is not a retreat but a stage for new adventures. The landscape here invites you to become a participant, not just an observer. The script is yours to write, and the path, though unmarked, is rich with the thrill of discovery.
Not a Movie Set
We love to imagine small-town life—the tranquility, the tight-knit community, and charm big cities can lack. And while many of the Hallmark movies are filmed in real small towns, the life they portray is a script.
Small Towns, Villages & Hamlets
Each small town whispers its own tale, distinct in its melody and rhythm. Some bustling with the energy of 50,000 souls, others humming the tranquil song of a mere 1,000 inhabitants. We embark on this journey from the heart of the south, within arm's reach of countless remarkable towns, each with its own allure.
First Look
You are ready to explore the small towns, perhaps to one day become a part of its fabric. Where do you start? What is most important? Start here.