Townsizing trend drives travel and homebuying shift

The lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic, coupled with rising living costs, are rapidly fueling the spread of the “Townsizing” trend.

Townsizing refers to the movement of traveling to or relocating from bustling major cities to quieter small towns.

Realtor.com, citing Priceline’s 2025 Travel Trends Report, stated that travelers are increasingly favoring charming domestic small-town destinations.

Lesley Klein, Senior Vice President at Priceline, noted, “We’re seeing more travelers who not only want to save money but also seek authentic local experiences and community connections. As cities grow crowded again with the return to office work, the value of small towns is being rediscovered.”

The Townsizing trend is also prominent in the real estate market.

Hannah Jones, Senior Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explained, “Small towns appeal to both travelers and new residents with their affordable cost of living and tranquil atmosphere. Demand for vacation homes is rising.”

Shawn Michael Lewis, CEO of Clearwater Properties, added, “The pandemic has shifted perceptions—people now realize they can enjoy a fulfilling life outside of big cities, and housing demand in small towns continues to grow.”

Among Priceline’s “Top 10 small towns for summer,” Three Rivers, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, stands out for its artistic atmosphere and proximity to Sequoia National Park. Its median home price recently dropped 33.5% from last year, making it an attractive investment opportunity.

Panguitch, Utah, retains a traditional Western charm with events like ice fishing tournaments, hot air balloon rides, and a county fair. Its median home price is around $580,000.

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, combines 800,000 acres of national forest with a luxury resort. While listings are limited, short-term rental returns are strong.

Coastal towns are also in high demand. South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, offers Cape Cod’s harbor charm along with Boston accessibility, while North Wildwood, New Jersey, is considered one of the East Coast’s best seaside getaways, known for its lighthouse, ocean fishing, and boardwalk. The median home price there is about $640,000.

For luxury small-town living, Carmel Valley, California, is drawing attention with its wineries, fireplaces, European-style rural atmosphere, and more than 300 days of sunshine a year—where homes can reach $1.95 million. Ouray, Colorado, known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital,” sits at 7,800 feet above sea level and offers hot springs and art-lined streets.

Forks, Washington, one of the rainiest spots in the U.S. with an annual rainfall of 120 inches, is also a pilgrimage site for Twilight fans. The town hosts the “Forever Twilight” festival each year, and its average home price of $370,000 makes it affordable for first-time buyers.

BY Eunyoung Lee [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]