Small Towns Soaring

Have you marveled at the incredible renaissance of small towns in recent years? Much of the secret lies in the remote work revolution, a dance of innovation and nostalgia that's breathed new life into these charming communities. As the digital age unlocks unprecedented possibilities, small towns stand at the forefront, inviting you with open arms.

Once upon a time, the corporate grind imprisoned us within lifeless office walls, leaving us trapped in the clutches of harrowing traffic. But behold, a paradigm shift has come! Thanks to the wondrous advancements in technology, we're now free to work from any corner of the world, as long as there's an internet connection. Even before the pandemic engulfed us, Deloitte revealed that 36% of Gen Z's and 32% of Millennials had already embraced the hybrid and remote work patterns. Oh, the possibilities!

And where does the heart yearn to roam? Small towns, of course! Today, 61% of Gen Z and 55% of Millennials are savoring the joys of remote and hybrid work patterns, with a desire for even more opportunities. It's a sweeping trend, so much so that a vast majority of remote workers would gladly seek new employment if they were called back to the traditional office.

Imagine waking up to the gentle embrace of a small-town landscape, leaving behind the grind of rush hour traffic. Inhale the fresh, untainted air, and begin your workday with a clear, focused mind. These charming havens of tranquility foster an inspiring backdrop for your creativity, and they also bring you closer to your beloved outdoor destinations. Kayaking after work anyone? Gardening before the sun goes down? A solid hike before dinner?

To embrace this dream, small towns must pave the way with broadband internet access. Just as the westward expansion required train stations to establish a new town along the way, these digital highways are essential to attract new businesses and remote workers. Regional, state, and national entities are hard at work expanding broadband infrastructure, ensuring that small towns have the connectivity they need to flourish. Deloitte's data highlights the profound impact of remote work, and the revelations of 2020, when remote teaching and healthcare became a necessity, only fueled this quest.

Downtowns, the beating heart of small towns, pulsate with the swiftest internet speeds and capacity. Within these vibrant cores, you'll discover the enchanting organic co-working spaces, lovingly curated by local innovators. A symphony of remote workers and entrepreneurs thrives here, fostering a tight-knit community of like-minded souls. After all, while the dining room or home office may be productive, co-working with friends lends an air of excitement and camaraderie.

Step into the cozy coffee shops, where laptops hum in harmony with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Here, you support the local retail industry, relishing the productivity and community that permeate the air. Engage with the shop owner, often a fellow local entrepreneur, and understand what fuels these heartwarming spaces. Don’t forget to be a generous customer as you seek to live this small-town dream.

Should you find no perfect workspace, fear not, for you may possess the power to carve your destiny. Small-town rent beckons with its affordability, and you may just encounter kindred spirits yearning for a shared-space to call their own. In this realm, you rent or buy the space, you set up separate workspaces that are leased to your fellow remote warriors. While working remotely, you have also embarked as an entrepreneur in your own right. You are weaving a tapestry of collaboration and camaraderie around you. (We will be talking more about what it takes to set up a shared space in a later post)

With a village scale of 15k in population, Monroe, a small town east of Atlanta, is home to a historic co-working space with its irresistible allure, boasting a waiting list eager to partake in its magic. Co-work at the Metro takes combining work and fun to an epic level - a local brewery is part of the property as well as a rock climbing gym and an axe throwing venue. Sounds like you can celebrate, stay in shape and work out your frustrations - within steps of your office! We hope they are enjoying the brewery after the rock climbing and axe throwing!

In Canton, a town alive with vibrancy, a renovated mill transforms into a co-working haven, Thrive, that is so busy a second location is underway at the heart of the downtown in a former mercantile building. These towns have felt the transformative force of remote work and innovation.

With solid, reliable internet access, small towns beckon talented individuals, stirring economic growth, and conjuring viable opportunities for entrepreneurship. Deloitte's data points to the potential that lies within these hidden treasures, as remote workers collaborate with global teams, engage in online training, and embrace the unique allure of small-town living.

Remote work, despite my fellow colleagues’ prayers as they are busy seeking to lease office space in the major metros, is not going anywhere. And while Gen Z and Millennials currently make up the majority of remote workers – we are seeing watching established Boomers shift to remote work in the later years of their careers and even start new roles as consultants and advisors in their “retirement” years.

Remote work truly increases your ability to craft a work/life balance that is fulfilling and productive. How much more fun in a small town?