The rise of remote work has reshaped not only how we work but where we choose to live. Enter “zoom towns” — once sleepy communities now booming with new residents drawn by the promise of affordable housing, natural beauty, and a better work-life balance. But is relocating to a zoom town truly a smart move for homebuyers, or just a fleeting trend fueled by the pandemic?
If you’re a first-time homebuyer or someone looking to maximize your remote work lifestyle, understanding the benefits and challenges of zoom towns is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes these towns appealing, where to find the best ones, and whether making the move is the right choice for you.
What Are Zoom Towns?
Simply put, zoom towns are communities experiencing rapid growth due to the rise of remote work. The name is a playful twist on “boomtowns” — towns that expanded quickly due to economic opportunities like gold or oil rushes. But instead of precious minerals, zoom towns are thriving thanks to broadband internet and flexible work policies.
With platforms like Zoom making remote work the new normal, many professionals are leaving expensive, crowded cities in favor of more affordable and scenic locations. As long as they have a reliable internet connection, they can work from anywhere, whether it’s a cozy mountain town, a beachside community, or a quiet suburb just outside a major metro area.
This trend is reshaping the housing market, with many zoom towns becoming attractive destinations for first-time homebuyers, real estate investors, and anyone seeking a lifestyle upgrade. But with increased demand comes challenges — rising prices, housing shortages, and strained local resources.
Features of Zoom Towns
Zoom towns are gaining popularity for good reasons. They offer a unique blend of affordability, natural beauty, and flexible living options. But what exactly makes a place a zoom town? Here are the defining features:
1. Proximity to Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Many zoom towns are located near national parks, beaches, mountains, or picturesque countryside.
- They attract residents who value recreational activities like hiking, biking, skiing, or coastal living.
2. Affordable Housing Compared to Major Cities
- Homes in zoom towns are generally more spacious and budget-friendly than their urban counterparts.
- Attractive for first-time homebuyers and real estate investors looking for better value.
3. Reliable Internet and Tech Infrastructure
- A critical requirement for a zoom town is broadband internet access.
- Areas investing in high-speed internet connectivity tend to attract more remote workers.
4. Proximity to Urban Amenities
- While many zoom towns offer a slower pace of life, they’re often close enough to large cities to access cultural attractions, restaurants, shopping, and healthcare.
- Examples include Fremont, CA (near San Francisco) and Bellevue, WA (near Seattle).
5. Work-Life Balance Appeal
- People are drawn to zoom towns for the freedom to work from anywhere while enjoying a better quality of life.
- The flexibility to choose a lifestyle centered around nature, family, or personal interests.
6. Growing Real Estate Market
- Increased demand is causing property values to rise, presenting potential real estate investment opportunities.
- Popular zoom towns like Frisco, TX, and Centennial, CO, are seeing significant growth.
7. Challenges and Infrastructure Strain
- With rapid growth, some zoom towns face housing shortages, higher prices, and resource limitations.
- Local governments may impose zoning restrictions or development regulations to manage the influx.
Why Are Zoom Towns Becoming Popular?
The growth of zoom towns started gaining traction during the COVID-19 pandemic. With offices closing and companies shifting to remote work, many professionals chose to leave high-cost urban areas for more affordable, scenic, and spacious locations.
According to Gallup, remote workers made up nearly 50% of the U.S. labor force during the height of the pandemic. As companies increasingly embrace flexible working arrangements, the appeal of zoom towns continues to grow.
Pros and Cons of Moving to a Zoom Town
Relocating to a zoom town has its perks and drawbacks. Here’s a balanced look:
Pros:
- Affordability: Housing is often cheaper compared to major cities.
- Quality of Life: Proximity to nature, parks, and scenic views.
- Better Housing Options: More spacious homes with home office capabilities.
- Real Estate Investment: Growing demand can result in high appreciation potential.
- Reduced Commute Stress: No more daily drives or subway rides.
Cons:
- Rising Demand: Increased popularity is driving prices up in some areas.
- Limited Resources: Small towns may struggle to accommodate population growth.
- Connectivity Issues: Broadband internet access can be spotty in more remote areas.
- Zoning Restrictions: Local governments may introduce regulations to control growth.
- Workplace Uncertainty: If companies end remote work policies, long commutes may become a problem.
Top Zoom Towns in the USA
Curious about where these zoom towns are popping up? Here are some of the most popular ones:
| Zoom Town | Nearest Metro Area | Notable Features |
| Centennial, CO | Denver, CO | Affordable housing, outdoor activities. |
| Frisco, TX | Dallas, TX | Thriving economy, good schools. |
| Bellevue, WA | Seattle, WA | Tech hub with beautiful surroundings. |
| Carlsbad, CA | San Diego, CA | Coastal living with suburban comfort. |
| Fremont, CA | San Francisco, CA | Proximity to Silicon Valley. |
These towns are often just outside major cities, providing access to cultural and commercial amenities without the extreme housing costs.
How To Decide If a Zoom Town Is Right for You
Moving to a zoom town is a big decision. Here are some steps to guide you:
Step 1: Define Your Priorities
- Do you want to be near outdoor activities, arts, or entertainment?
- Is affordable housing your top concern?
- Do you need reliable broadband internet for work?
Step 2: Research Local Amenities
- Check availability of resources like hospitals, schools, and shopping.
- Investigate internet speeds and service providers.
Step 3: Visit Before Committing
- Spend a few days exploring your potential new home.
- Consider renting before buying to see if the lifestyle fits your needs.
FAQs About Zoom Towns
Q: What is a zoom town?
A: A zoom town is a community experiencing growth due to increased remote work opportunities, where residents choose to live based on lifestyle preferences rather than job location.
Q: Why are zoom towns growing in popularity?
A: The rise in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed people to move away from expensive, congested urban areas to more affordable and appealing locations.
Q: What are the best zoom towns for remote workers?
A: Some popular options include Centennial, Frisco, Bellevue, Carlsbad, and Fremont, all of which offer great amenities, broadband access, and proximity to major cities.
Q: How do I choose the right zoom town for me?
A: Consider factors like housing affordability, internet connectivity, amenities, and overall lifestyle preferences.
The Bottom Line: Is Zoom Town Living Right for You?
Zoom towns represent a significant shift in how people approach home buying and lifestyle choices. For those looking to break free from crowded, high-cost urban living, these communities offer a promising alternative.
However, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons, especially when it comes to housing availability, internet connectivity, and potential workplace policies. If you can work from anywhere, why not choose a place that suits your ideal lifestyle?
