Prosper: The MoxieTowns Lens for Small Town Economic Possibility
Prosper is the MoxieTowns lens for economic possibility. Not flashy growth. Not the kind that arrives with a ribbon-cutting and leaves two years later. We're looking for the kind that grows in inches and sticks — because it's built on people, place, and genuine momentum.
We tell the stories behind adaptive reuse projects, new storefronts opened by first-time business owners, coworking sparks that turned into creative hubs, and the community champions who kept showing up long before it was trendy. These are the builders: entrepreneurs who bet on a small town, remote workers who chose a different kind of commute, investors who saw good bones and took a calculated risk, and civic leaders who kept the faith.
Big Small Towns, Villages & Hamlets: Why Size Tells a Story
Not every small town is the same size — and that matters more than you think. MoxieTowns breaks down why we use three size categories and how geography, proximity, and community shape what each town can offer visitors and future residents.
Mainstreet Maven: Cindy Loudenslager
Cindy Loudenslager traded 30 years of NYC banking for early mornings at the Dorset Union Store. Here's how she's keeping Vermont's oldest general store alive and thriving like never before.
Mainstreet Maven: Jillian Minerva
Jillian Minerva didn’t plan to become the keeper of a small-town heartbeat — but sometimes life reroutes us toward where we truly belong. Today, she and her husband Joe run the Barnard General Store in Vermont, raising their family between morning muffins, lake views, and the hum of community life, while growing a modern family business that’s just as rooted in connection.
Discover, Prosper, Dwell: How MoxieTowns Sees Remarkable Small Towns
MoxieTowns exists for one reason: small towns are where the next great chapters are being written—and most people still don’t know where to look. We go looking anyway. Not for “cute,” not for clichés, and not for places that photograph well but live poorly. We search for towns with a real heartbeat: places you can discover with wonder, prosper with purpose, and dwell with a sense of belonging. These three lenses are our compass. They shape every story we tell and every metric we track, helping us spot the signals that matter—walkable Main Streets, community champions, reliable connectivity, everyday livability, and that unmistakable feeling of “this could be home.” In short: we chase the magic, and we verify it.
The Next Great Startup Hubs: Small Towns
Think you have to move to a big city to build a serious business? Discover why more entrepreneurs are choosing small towns for lower costs, less competition, and stronger community support.
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.
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.
Mainstreet Maven: Anna Schoenduby
Mainstreet Maven Anna Schoenduby brings global impact to Staunton, VA through Latitudes Fair Trade. Her boutique offers ethically sourced jewelry, clothing, gifts, and home goods—empowering artisans worldwide while enriching Main Street.
Mainstreet Maven: Cindy Fellows
Meet Cindy Fellows, the creative force behind October Grace Media in Staunton, VA. Discover how this Mainstreet Maven blends photography, storytelling, and strategy to help nonprofits and small businesses shine.
Mainstreet Maven: Christina Katopodi
Discover Armiriki a design and manufacturing studio in Nafplio, Greece, where limited-edition T-shirts become stories of identity, creativity, and local pride. Co-founded by Christina Katopodi, one of our Mainstreet Mavens.
Mainstreet Maven: Sandi Cararo
Tucked into a narrow storefront along Beverley Street in the heart of downtown Staunton, Virginia, sits The Book Dragon—a small shop with a big spirit, run by a woman whose story is just as compelling as the titles she stocks.
Meet Sandi Cararo, Army veteran, dog mom, relentless book lover, and the heart behind Staunton’s independent bookstore. She’s a force on Main Street—part dreamer, part pragmatist, all moxie.
How Fast Is It? In Southport, NC
How Fast Is It? Exploring Broadband and Cellular Coverage in Southport, NC
Tucked away on the picturesque coast of North Carolina, Southport is a charming small town that has become an unexpected haven for digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs. While its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty are undeniable draws, what truly sets Southport apart is its robust internet infrastructure. In this post, we'll delve into the world of broadband and cellular coverage in Southport, highlighting how strong connectivity is transforming this quaint town into a vibrant hub for remote professionals.
How Small Towns Can Attract Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
We’ve all heard the chatter: “Everyone’s heading back to the office!” Yet, the reality is that remote and hybrid work—especially for small-business owners and global collaborators—is still thriving. There’s a wonderful opportunity here for small towns to roll out the welcome mat for these new kinds of professionals, especially those who crave the slower pace and friendly vibe that only a small community can offer. If you’re an entrepreneurial spirit on the lookout for a new place to set down roots, or a local official imagining a more vibrant downtown, read on.
A New Wave of Opportunity on Front Street
Seasonal towns like Beaufort, NC, are often synonymous with seasonal crowds, charming waterfronts, and bustling summer months. But what happens when the tourists leave? We get super excited when we see these towns are turning to co-working spaces to attract year-round residents, diversify their economies, and meet the needs of a growing remote workforce. Beaufort’s newest co-working hub, The Vault, is a shining example of how these spaces can transform a community.