Full Citation
Title: Rewriting the Rural Narrative
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2022
ISBN: 9781000811551
ISSN:
DOI: 10.4324/9781003280620-9/REWRITING-RURAL-NARRATIVE-RYAN-ALLEN-BEN-WINCHESTER
NSFID:
PMCID:
PMID:
Abstract: Contrary to the pervasive narrative of rural areas of the U.S. in decline, a close look at recent data suggests that many rural areas have experienced increased numbers of adults in their prime working years who may help to improve the vitality of their new communities. What factors “pull” new residents to rural parts of the U.S. and the experiences new residents have in these rural communities are underexplored, but may offer important lessons for rural community development. This chapter presents results of a 2019 survey of recent movers to rural Minnesota counties. Family connections and quality-of-life factors were important considerations for many rural migrants, but economic opportunities also prompted moves. Migrants expressed high levels of satisfaction with many facets of community life, including school quality, community safety, and healthcare, but also expressed notably lower levels of satisfaction with housing affordability and broadband access. These findings suggest that along with maintaining a healthy local economy, rural areas interested in attracting new residents should also expand housing options, make strategic investments in technological infrastructure and highlight the slower pace of life, smaller scale, and social intimacy that are important motivating factors for migrants moving to rural communities.
User Submitted?: No
Authors: Allen, Ryan; Winchester, Ben
Periodical (Full): Rural Areas in Transition
Issue:
Volume:
Pages: 171-192
Countries: