Encouraging Tech Workers to Settle in Rural Areas: Strategies and Challenges

With the rapid advancement of technology and increasing urbanization, the question of how to encourage tech workers to relocate to rural areas has gained significant attention. For those of us living in rural communities, it's an intriguing challenge that blends both opportunities and obstacles.

Advantages of Rural Living for Tech Workers

One of the most compelling advantages of rural areas is the lower cost of housing. According to my experience, a tech professional in Silicon Valley (SV) can make as much as 9.5 times what I make but struggle to afford a house. In contrast, I often owe less on my mortgage than what they spend in rent annually. Another significant advantage is the reduced transit time, especially during peak hours, with my commute taking just 5 minutes or 8 minutes on a more challenging day, allowing me to manage multiple errands efficiently.

Challenges and Concerns Faced by Tech Workers

Despite the allure of rural living, there are several challenges that must be addressed to attract tech workers. These include:

School Quality

Many tech professionals moving to rural areas are family-oriented and prioritize their children's education. Schools in rural areas often struggle with resource allocation, particularly in specialized fields like mathematics, where fully qualified teachers are sometimes lacking. This is a dealbreaker for many tech families, who prefer high-quality educational environments for their children.

Diversity and Inclusivity

Small towns may also face issues related to diversity and acceptance. While many tech workers come from diverse backgrounds, small communities may lack cultural diversity, leading to a sense of isolation. Tech workers, especially those of color, often demand a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity. Viewing a town as purely conservative can be a significant deterrent.

Local Politics and Social Dynamics

Another challenge is the social and political landscape of small towns. Many tech professionals are libertarians or fiscal conservatives, but they still seek communities that align with their values. Towns with high visibility of conservative political messaging, such as campaign flags, can be seen as less welcoming.

Healthcare Services

Healthcare services in rural areas often lag behind urban areas, which can be a concern for tech workers and their families. A balanced approach is essential: make the area accessible, with proximity to larger medical facilities, while still offering the advantages of local healthcare. A 45-minute drive for specialist appointments may be acceptable, but a 90-minute drive could be prohibitive.

Strategies to Attract Tech Workers

To encourage tech workers to live and work in rural areas, local leaders must adopt a holistic approach:

Be Realistic

Rural areas cannot hope to attract major tech giants like Google. Instead, they should target lesser-known tech companies. Moreover, it's essential to ensure that the community is welcoming to all, including LGBTQ and minority groups. Although it's unlikely to attract highly socially conservative companies, focusing on inclusivity and diversity can attract a broader range of tech talent.

Address and Mitigate Issues

Communities should work proactively to address issues such as economic blight, substandard schools, and other challenges. This involves collaboration between local government and community organizations to tackle these problems. Improving school quality, particularly in STEM fields, is crucial to appeal to tech professionals.

Finding Strengths

Instead of relying on superlatives, focus on addressing the specific needs of tech companies and the workers they attract. Emphasize unique local advantages, such as access to fresh local produce, and encourage the development of a culture that embraces innovation and technology. Providing convenient living conditions, such as reliable dry cleaning services, can also make a significant difference in attracting tech workers.

Conclusion

Encouraging tech workers to move to rural areas requires a nuanced approach that acknowledges both the advantages and challenges. By addressing specific concerns, leveraging local strengths, and promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment, rural communities can attract a talented workforce to enjoy the benefits of small-town living while contributing to the technological growth of their area.