For a growing number of buyers, the suburbs aren’t far enough.
As affordability pressures persist and remote work stabilizes, rural and small-town markets are seeing renewed attention from buyers seeking lower prices, more space, and a different pace of life. While major metros and inner-ring suburbs remain competitive, many Americans are widening their search radius — sometimes well beyond traditional commuter zones.
But is rural homeownership really cheaper? And where is this shift actually happening?
What’s Driving the Rural Shift?
Several economic and lifestyle forces are converging to push buyers beyond the suburbs: affordability, flexibility, and lifestyle.
1. Flexibility: Remote and Hybrid Work
Remote work opened the door for location flexibility. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, remote work remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, even as some employers call workers back to offices.
Hybrid work models in particular allow some buyers to live farther from city centers while commuting only a few days per week.
See also: The Best U.S. Markets for Hybrid Work Lifestyles in 2026
2. Affordability: Price Gaps Between Suburbs and Rural Areas
Affordability remains one of the biggest drivers. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that median home prices in metropolitan areas consistently outpace those in nonmetro areas.
In many regions, buyers can find larger lots or newer homes at lower price points outside suburban boundaries.
3. Lifestyle: Desire for Land and Space
Beyond cost, lifestyle preferences matter. Surveys from the Pew Research Center show that Americans increasingly value space, privacy, and lower-density living environments.
For families priced out of inner suburbs — or simply seeking more room — rural markets offer an appealing alternative.
Where Rural Growth Is Happening
The rural revival is not uniform. Growth is concentrated in specific regions, often near expanding job markets.
See also: These 10 Job Markets Are Setting the Stage for Strong Housing Demand in 2026
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program, several nonmetro counties in the South and Mountain West have posted population gains in recent years, particularly those within reach of larger employment hubs.
Research from the USDA Economic Research Service shows that rural counties adjacent to metropolitan areas — often called “micropolitan” areas — have experienced stronger growth than more remote rural regions.
In short: proximity still matters. Rural markets within commuting distance of growing metros tend to see the strongest housing demand.
Is Rural Living Actually Cheaper?
Lower purchase prices don’t automatically mean lower long-term costs.
1. Commute Costs
Buyers relocating farther from job centers may face longer commutes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), transportation remains one of the largest components of household spending.
Fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and time spent commuting can offset some of the upfront savings of a lower home price.
See also: The Hidden Cost of Your Commute: Why New Builds Closer In May Be More Affordable Than Resale Homes
2. Infrastructure and Services
Access to healthcare, schools, and municipal services can vary widely by region. The USDA Economic Research Service notes that rural infrastructure investment remains uneven across the country.
3. Broadband Availability
Reliable internet access is essential for remote workers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports that broadband access gaps persist in some rural areas, although coverage continues to improve.
For buyers relying on remote or hybrid work, verifying broadband infrastructure is critical.
The Role of New Construction in Rural Markets
As demand shifts outward, home builders are expanding into smaller markets and exurban communities.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s New Residential Construction report shows housing starts have been particularly strong in the South, where land availability supports new development in rural-adjacent counties.
In many cases, builders are developing master-planned communities in smaller markets, offering move-in-ready homes with modern infrastructure. These developments often include:
Updated utilities and road access
Energy-efficient construction
Predictable maintenance costs
Community amenities
New construction can also help mitigate some of the infrastructure concerns buyers associate with rural living, particularly when developments are planned alongside local growth initiatives.
In high-growth rural markets, new supply may also prevent resale inventory from becoming overly competitive.
Bottom Line
The rural revival is real — but it isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Lower home prices, flexible work arrangements, and lifestyle preferences are drawing more buyers beyond the suburbs. At the same time, commute costs, infrastructure access, and broadband availability remain important considerations.
For buyers evaluating rural markets, understanding both the financial tradeoffs and the availability of new construction can help ensure that a lower purchase price translates into long-term affordability — not unexpected costs.
