The high price of urban real estate has a growing number of debt-laden and ambitious Gen Yers moving out to the country to chase their American dream. Small towns offer closer communities and more space for families to grow – but what do young residents expect from life outside of the city?

More than 60% of rural Americans say that federal efforts to improve living standards don’t have an impact or make things worse. The Strong Towns initiative is working with residents, developers, and municipal planners to help countryside communities get back on their feet – on their own terms.

America’s rural areas are seeing more deaths than births, along with widespread socioeconomic decline. Despite the hardships of city life, few young people are choosing to live outside of city centres, suburbs, and exurbs – and small town America is at risk of being snuffed out.

A study by the Office for National Statistics has found that UK children growing up in urban areas are four times more likely to report feeling lonely than their peers growing up in the countryside. The research highlights a link between poverty and small communities, often associated with urban dwelling.