Janice R. Andrews
In recent years, many millennials have made the move away from bustling urban centers to more peaceful rural areas. If you’re a millennial living in a city and feel like your friends are increasingly relocating to small towns and suburbs, you’re not alone. A 2024 analysis by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service reveals a significant shift, with more young adults trading in city life for a quieter, slower pace in the countryside.
The millennials and “millennial-adjacent” crowd, ranging from the tail end of Gen X to the beginning of Gen Z, are not leaving cities to retire. These professionals and parents are making the move to improve their finances, mental and physical health, work-life balance, and family well-being.
The census data reveals that, from 1980 to 2020, nearly 80% of the U.S. population growth for adults aged 25-44 occurred in cities with over a million people. However, post-2020, rural areas have seen growth driven by individuals within the same age group. The COVID-19 pandemic was a major turning point, sparking an urban exodus that has continued for years, with many of these moves now motivated by a variety of factors beyond health concerns.
So, why are so many millennials packing up and leaving the cities? Here’s what experts and individuals who made the switch say about the ups and downs of rural living.
What’s Driving the Move?
Erin Austen Abbott, author of Small Town Living, moved to rural Mississippi after spending her 20s in urban environments. She describes her transition as one of finding a genuine connection to a place for the first time in her life. “I have a community, my son can walk around town, and I never worry about him,” Abbott says, highlighting how small towns offer a safer, more connected lifestyle.
Rachel Lewis, a 28-year-old social media manager, relocated to rural North Carolina from Wilmington and agrees that community was a major driver of her move. “It’s been so much easier to connect with strangers and meet people,” she says, noting that the local yoga studio and coffee shop made her feel welcome and part of the community.
Mental health and affordability are also top priorities for many individuals making the switch. Abbott, who has embraced rural living to build her business, states that the lower cost of living has given her the freedom to take creative risks and build her career. “The affordability has allowed me to take chances I couldn’t have taken in a city,” she explains.
Lauren Breedlove, who moved from New York City to the Adirondacks to pursue freelance writing and travel photography, also values the cost savings. “I couldn’t survive in New York City, especially in a creative field,” she says. “Now, I can thrive without the heavy living costs of a big city.”
Beyond finances, Breedlove also cites the positive impact on her mental health. Living in NYC had long been a dream for her, but the city’s demanding pace and high stress were draining. In the quieter environment of rural New York, Breedlove finds balance and peace. “I can go for a run or a hike and breathe in fresh air. That’s a worthy trade,” she says.
The Mental Health Benefits
Dr. Sham Singh, a holistic psychiatrist, explains that moving from urban environments to rural settings often results in marked improvements in mental health. This phenomenon is supported by science, with numerous studies showing that time spent in nature helps control stress responses.
Mary Poffenroth, a biopsychologist, explains that natural environments help regulate the body’s stress response system, the HPA axis, which can become overstimulated in cities with constant sensory input. This overstimulation can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. In contrast, rural areas allow for a slower pace of life, enabling individuals to manage emotions better and experience less anxiety.
Spending time outdoors, a common feature of rural living, is known to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. For families, rural areas offer children opportunities to play outside, leading to reduced screen time and less exposure to urban stressors that can affect emotional development.
Additionally, the slower pace of rural life can foster deeper social connections. Smaller, close-knit communities offer a sense of belonging, which is crucial for mental well-being. “The time spent with others is more meaningful,” says Dr. Singh. “People in rural areas often form strong social networks that support each other in ways that cities sometimes can’t.”
The Drawbacks of Rural Life
However, rural living is not without its challenges. Many who have made the move from cities to the country do miss certain aspects of urban life. Abbott, for example, says she misses the convenience of having food delivered to her door and the variety of cuisine available in the city. “I’ve taught myself to cook different cultural dishes because I can’t find them here,” she adds.
Breedlove, who left Manhattan for the Adirondacks, reminisces about one perk of city life: “I miss the close access to major airports!” In rural areas, travel often requires more planning and longer drives, and individuals need to be more strategic when it comes to fulfilling their needs.
“I drive an hour to Memphis once a month to stock up on certain things,” Abbott says, referring to the need for more planning to access supplies that may not be readily available in small towns.
Unexpected Surprises
Despite these challenges, many rural transplants are pleasantly surprised by their decision. Abbott, for instance, is amazed at how diverse her new community is. “The neighbors on my street alone are from all over the country,” she says, noting that her small town has attracted people from Arizona, Washington, Wisconsin, Montana, Louisiana, and other far-flung places. This diversity is something she never expected in such a rural area.
Breedlove was also surprised by how little she missed city life. “At first, I thought I’d eventually move back to NYC, but here we are,” she says, reflecting on how much she enjoys the quality of life in her new location. “I now have a career I’m passionate about, I’m closer to my family, and I have a yard big enough to get a dog — something I couldn’t have in the city.”
The Bottom Line
For many millennials, the move from big cities to rural areas has proven to be a life-changing decision. Whether driven by a desire for better mental health, a stronger sense of community, or simply the ability to save money, rural living offers a host of benefits that many city dwellers find compelling. Of course, it’s not without its challenges, including the need for careful planning and some nostalgia for the conveniences of city life. However, for many, the slower pace, tighter communities, and improved quality of life outweigh these drawbacks.
As the trend continues to grow, it’s clear that rural living is becoming an attractive alternative to the hustle and bustle of big-city life for millennials and others in their age group. Whether for better mental health, affordability, or simply a more grounded lifestyle, the country is calling — and more millennials are answering.
