In a notable shift in trend, an increasing number of young people are choosing to leave bustling cities and settle in peaceful rural towns. According to the latest data from 2023, six out of ten housing seekers over 18 have plans or aspirations to move to a rural area, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year.
This growing interest aligns with a series of social and technological transformations that are driving the revitalization of rural areas. Telecommuting, technological advances, and the green economy are giving rural areas new relevance as places of well-being, security, and opportunities for social and economic renewal, according to a report by the European Commission.
Despite this momentum, the current population figures in rural areas in Spain remain low, representing only 13% in 2021, compared to the European Union’s 26%. Although young people are most attracted to the idea of living in a village, deficiencies in telecommuting infrastructure can be a significant obstacle.
Housing as a catalyst for change in the fight against depopulation
Housing plays a crucial role in this phenomenon, being a determining factor in decision-making regarding migration to rural areas. Of the total housing seekers over 18, 62% express interest in living in rural areas, remaining virtually constant since August 2022.
Breaking down this percentage, it is observed that 15% claim to have real plans to settle in a village, experiencing a slight increase since February 2023. This increase can be attributed to changes in employment or the growing acceptance of telecommuting as an opportunity to move away from cities. 8% of seekers will change both their job and residence, while 6% will move to a rural area for telecommuting, highlighting an increase compared to August of the previous year.
Generational differences in the decision to move to the countryside
The decision to relocate to a rural area varies significantly by age. Housing seekers over 45 are the most reluctant to the idea, with 45% and 50% of those aged 45 to 54 and 55 to 75, respectively, not considering moving to a village.
Contrasting with this trend, the proportion of those with real plans to move to a rural area increases with decreasing age. The groups aged 18 to 24 (22%) and 25 to 34 (16%) are the most inclined to do so, marking a significant change since August 2022. Specifically, young people aged 18 to 24 have experienced an increase from 9% to 22% in their intention to move to a rural area in just over a year.
In the Sitges area, known for its high prices, young people are seeking more affordable alternatives in nearby municipalities such as Olivella, Sant Pere de Ribes, and inland areas. This movement reflects the search for accessible options without sacrificing the tranquility and quality of life offered by rural environments.
In summary, migration to rural areas is experiencing a resurgence, especially among the younger generation, triggered by changes in work and the perception of rural areas as places of well-being and new opportunities. This phenomenon, though optimistic, highlights the need to address infrastructure deficiencies to facilitate the transition of young people to rural life. Housing emerges as a key factor in this dynamic, serving as the main driver in the fight against depopulation.
Article by Living Sitges Inmobiliaria