Prior to this past year, we may have guessed that a “Zoom Town” was just a place with a higher-than-average speed limit or a drive-through destination during a road trip. After 2021, this phrase has a whole new meaning. A play on the “Boomtown” from the age of emerging Oil, this is the 21st-century take that is redefining where the workforce wants to thrive.
This new phrase is described as a destination that is seeing an increase in the population of people that work remotely on a permanent basis. The shift in the housing market paired with a spike in remote work has provided people with the opportunity to live where they’d like, without their job dictating or restricting their options.
What are some of the more popular zoom towns?
- Centennial, Colorado (Denver Metro)
- Gilbert, Arizona (Phoenix Metro)
- Frisco, Texas (Dallas Metro)
- Cary, North Carolina (Raleigh Metro)
- Bellevue, Washington (Seattle Metro)
- Carlsbad, California (San Diego Metro)
- Fremont/Torrance/Thousand Oaks, California (Los Angeles Metro)
- Carmel, Indiana (Indianapolis Metro)
- Olathe, Kansas (Kansas City Metro)
- Henderson, Nevada (Las Vegas Metro)
- Sandy Springs, Georgia (Atlanta Metro)
Why consider a zoom town?
There are benefits to weigh just like any other relocation. Some of the perks of living in these new areas include:
- Affordability: It is no surprise that living inside of a major metro area comes with a high price tag. Having the option to leave a cramped studio apartment in Manhattan for a larger house in a small town for the same cost can be a big appeal.
- Change of Scenery: For those that work in highly specific industries, job opportunities are often limited to living within city limits. Now that remote work is an option, people that prefer the great outdoors are shifting away from city living towards something that better suits their interests outside of work.
On the other hand, there are potential downsides to be on the lookout for:
- Housing Shortages: As certain towns gain popularity, the number of available homes can begin to dwindle, but if you’re open to relocating even farther outside of the metro area, the options are limitless.
- Temporary remote situations: If your office is one that could re-open at any time and require employees to make their return, something to be mindful of before buying that one-way ticket!
Where to begin?
While many of Interior Talent’s clients are located in major cities, we also have the opportunity to recruit nationwide. If you’re curious about new opportunities and where to find them, head over to Jobs.InteriorTalent.com.