Why are people leaving the dream cities?

Imagine this scenario from years ago: you are growing up in a small city with minimal infrastructure. There is no mall around, no cinema, no entertainment house, and a small library with old and not-so-interesting books for teenagers in the 2000s. Your friends start planning a move to a larger urban area, and you decide to follow them. There, the number of attractive activities available is greater.

Contrary to that trend, research indicates that more people now prefer to live in the countryside. In January, the ‘Living in São Paulo: Quality of Life’ survey, released by Rede Nossa São Paulo, revealed that 61% of residents would move from the capital of this Brazilian state if given the chance. The percentage increased by 4% since 2021.

Seeking tranquillity and a connection with nature, residents explore more remote places | Photo: Claude Nai at Unsplash

In other wished cities, the values ​​of new rents have soared in 2023. According to the real estate portal Imovirtual & OLX, Lisbon experienced a 46% increase compared to the previous year. The UK property company Rightmove revealed that owners are asking for 28% (£559) more than during the same period in 2019 in London.

As the salary does not follow these rates, the amount paid for rooms can be frustrating and the plans to save money force the dwellers to share with members of families, friends or strangers or move back to their parent's house. Imagine renting a house one hour away from the centre for almost the same price as a flat in the middle of the chaos, this is an option, depending on your goals.

Due to crime rates, issues with urban mobility, overpopulation, overtourism, high job competition, and other concerns, residents are seeking remote places for tranquillity and contact with nature. Many of these changes are possible due to the possibility of anywhere work. Since 2020, 6% more U.S. families with 5-year-old kids prefer towns and communities. Similarly, Generation Z is looking to relocate to the mountains and peaceful villages in search of a simpler life.

The dream of living in a global metropolis will persist in people's minds, especially those who have had limited contact with such environments and have been influenced by social media and the audiovisual universe. However, it's possible to envision this exodus happening now and lasting for a while until trends change again.