What are the benefits of living in a “Zoom Town”?

With many careers moving online, work-from-home employees have realised they can live in smaller suburbs or towns at a lower cost and enjoy the benefits of a slower lifestyle, while keeping their jobs.  

As a result, they have started to move to “Zoom towns” – small, growing communities that offer the perks of a country lifestyle and enable their residents to work remotely.

We find out what the benefits are of moving to a Zoom town, and we consider the costs of living there, as well as who should consider making this move.

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Benefits of living in Zoom towns

According to Emanuel Germanis, managing director for Evo Properties, there’s been a clear migration to Zoom towns in South Africa.

“In Cape Town we have seen many families move from the busier inner-city areas to more suburban areas and areas further away since their employers now allow them to work remotely,” says Germanis.  

He explains that families can now experience more space for less money, whether they’re interested in a month-to-month rental, or purchasing a home.

“The main benefit of moving to a Zoom town is the slower lifestyle you can experience, since there is far less traffic. Besides this, the crime is much lower than in areas located close to popular cities. Both of the aforementioned benefits cause a much healthier lifestyle,” says Germanis.

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Who should make this move?

Germanis says that Zoom towns aren’t for everyone. For example, families who still demand private schooling for their children may want to stay closer to established towns. Furthermore, if you require continued healthcare, then living near the city may be a better decision, says Germanis.

He highlights that millennials, who desire a fast-paced lifestyle and value ease of access and efficiency, will still likely opt to live in and around the cities.

READ MORE: Are employers responsible for work-from-home costs?

How cost-effective are Zoom towns?

Germanis points out that Zoom towns are generally located on the outskirts of popular areas, and they are not necessarily in the middle of nowhere.

“For a start, land prices are less in these areas, and, therefore, so are rental prices,” says Germanis. “I’ve seen families save 40% of their income by moving to a remote area.”

He adds that restaurants and grocery outlets generally charge less in small towns and the need to “keep up with the Jones's” is not really important.

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