Townsizing: The Growing Trend of Moving from Big City to Small Town Life
What is Townsizing and Why It's Trending in 2025
Townsizing—a trend focused on exploring smaller towns and hidden gems rather than major tourist hotspots—has evolved beyond travel to become a lifestyle choice. This growing movement sees people relocating from bustling metropolitan areas to embrace the chill life that small towns offer.
Living in a Big City vs Small Town: The Key Differences
Big City Living
- Higher cost of living
- More career opportunities
- Cultural diversity and entertainment options
- Faster pace of life
- Greater anonymity
Small Town Benefits
39 percent of adults aged 18-34 now prefer rural/small-town life, with non-white adults showing a 12 percentage-point increase in preference for small-town living over the past two years.
The Appeal of Rural Lifestyle and Chill Life
Abundant wildlife, peace and quiet, fresh air, and a slower pace will lower your blood pressure in small towns. The benefits include:
- Lower stress levels: Small town living helps you enjoy the simple things in life and can help reduce your stress levels
- Stronger community bonds: Close-knit neighborhoods where everyone knows each other
- Natural beauty: You can see stars at night without light pollution
- Affordable living: Lower housing costs and reduced expenses
Making the Move: Moving from Big City to Small Town
The transition requires careful planning:
- Research thoroughly: Visit potential towns multiple times
- Consider remote work options: Maintain income while enjoying rural benefits
- Evaluate amenities: Ensure access to healthcare, education, and essential services
- Build new networks: Engage with local communities and activities
Population Trends Support the Townsizing Movement
Recent data shows interesting demographic shifts. Population estimates for July 1, 2023, show rebounds in many large cities in the Northeast and Midwest and growth in remote small towns, indicating people are indeed choosing smaller communities.
Conclusion
Townsizing represents more than just a change of address—it's a conscious choice to prioritize quality of life over urban conveniences. Whether seeking a chill life, stronger community connections, or simply a break from city stress, small town living offers compelling benefits for those ready to embrace rural lifestyle.
Sources:
- U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates
- HelloVacay Travel Trends Report 2025
- Hutchinson Consulting Small Town Living Study
- Acreage Life Rural Living Analysis
