From City Lights to Small-Town Life: One Woman’s Pandemic-Inspired Relocation Journey

Pandemic Prompts City Dweller’s Shift to Small-Town Living, Eyes Future Rural Move

In a recent development highlighting changing housing trends, former city resident Allison Nichol Longtin has shared her experience of transitioning to small-town life during the pandemic, with plans for a future move to a rural property. This story reflects a growing trend of urban dwellers seeking more space and a slower pace of life in the wake of COVID-19.

Longtin, who spent her entire life in big cities, made the decision to purchase a home in a small town during the height of the pandemic. After eight months of isolation in a tiny one-bedroom apartment, she sought a location within commuting distance of the city, navigating a challenging housing market to achieve her goal.

Since moving in October 2020, Longtin has embraced the benefits of small-town living, including a lower cost of living and increased square footage. However, her experience has sparked a new aspiration: owning land in the countryside. She now plans to purchase a remote property with more land within the next three to five years.

To facilitate this goal, Longtin has made significant lifestyle and career adjustments. She transitioned to full-time freelance work in summer 2021, allowing for greater flexibility in her work location. As a writer and dance teacher, she now conducts both in-person and virtual classes, with dreams of establishing a home studio for teaching and events.

Financial planning plays a crucial role in Longtin’s strategy. She has increased her monthly savings contributions and is investing in home improvements to boost her property’s resale value. Longtin views her current home as a key investment in achieving her long-term financial objectives.

In an interesting twist, Longtin is advocating for a multi-generational living arrangement. She plans to combine resources with her parents to purchase a rural property, aiming to convert or build a sustainable home that allows her parents to age in place.

As she looks to the future, Longtin is closely monitoring housing market trends and maintaining a relationship with her mortgage broker, Lisa Okun, to navigate her next property purchase effectively.

While content with her current living situation, Longtin’s story exemplifies a broader shift in housing preferences, as more individuals seek increased space, quiet, and freedom in less urban environments.

This article was originally published in June 2022. For the most current information and offers, please refer to our article on Business Insider.