A new migration wave: Americans leaving big cities for smaller ones

Over the past few years, the United States has seen a notable shift in where people choose to live: many households are relocating from large metros to smaller cities and towns. In 2023, for the first time in decades, small towns and smaller cities (those with fewer than 250,000 residents) gained more population through domestic migration than large cities did.

This isn’t just a blip — it reflects deeper changes in work habits, lifestyle priorities and economic reality. Places like Boise, Idaho; Asheville, North Carolina; and Madison, Wisconsin have become popular among remote workers, young families, and people seeking a slower pace of life with manageable living costs.

What’s driving the shift — affordability, flexibility, quality of life

Lower cost of living and more affordable housing

A frequently cited reason for the migration trend is cost. In many large U.S. cities, housing prices and rents have soared to levels that make first-time buying or even comfortable renting unfeasible — especially for younger Americans, those with student debt, or new families.

Smaller cities, by contrast, typically offer lower housing costs and more space — enabling people to buy a home, save money or afford a larger, more comfortable living environment.

Remote work and flexible job opportunities

One of the biggest catalysts of this migration is the growing acceptance of remote or hybrid working arrangements. As companies allow employees to work from home — sometimes indefinitely — people no longer have to live close to expensive urban offices. This freedom lets them relocate to smaller cities while keeping their jobs.

Even before the pandemic, medium‑size metro areas and smaller cities were starting to see growth as remote work increased and digital infrastructure improved.

Better quality of life — less congestion, more space, slower pace

Small cities often offer advantages that resonate with many Americans seeking balance: less traffic, shorter commutes, quieter neighbourhoods, more green space, and a sense of community.

For families and individuals alike, this shift can mean more time, less stress, and a lifestyle closer to what many perceive as the ideal American life.

What smaller cities gain — and what it could mean for the future

Economic and social revitalisation of smaller metros

The influx of people — often younger, educated and skilled — can bring new energy to smaller cities. As workers relocate, they bring spending power, demand for services, and sometimes entrepreneurial ambition. This can stimulate local economies, attract businesses, and diversify the community.

Smaller cities may also benefit from a “brain‑gain”: people leaving dense, expensive metros often carry skills and experiences that can help raise wages, innovation, and cultural offerings in their new hometowns.

Greater balance between urban amenities and affordable living

Many of the midsize cities attracting new residents offer a “sweet spot” — enough amenities, infrastructure and social life to provide comfort and convenience, without the overwhelming cost or density of a major metropolis. That balance makes them attractive long-term home bases for professionals, remote workers, and families alike.

What this shift says about changing American priorities

The growing trend of Americans moving to smaller cities suggests a reevaluation of long‑held priorities. Working life, once rigidly tied to where jobs were located, is increasingly decoupled from geography. Affordability, mental well‑being, community, and space seem to matter more than proximity to city‑centre offices or urban glamour.

For many, the dream is not skyscrapers and crowded subways — but a comfortable home, a manageable commute (or no commute), affordability, and a quieter, more balanced life.

If this migration wave continues, the social, economic and cultural map of the United States could shift — with once‑quiet towns growing into vibrant, sustainable communities, and metropolitan giants redefining their purpose. The “American dream” may well be reimagined through the lens of small‑city living.