Study Reveals Desire for Work-Life Balance and Pandemic Reflection as Key Factors
By Denise Faguy
Farms.com
One in four Canadians residing in urban areas are contemplating a shift to more remote communities, as revealed by a nationwide study conducted by Horizon Aircraft.
The study found that 25% of urban Canadians are considering moving out of densely populated areas, with an additional 15% still undecided. The desire for a better work-life balance emerged as the most popular reason for considering a rural switch, with 47% expressing the need to slow down.
Additionally, 25% cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for reassessing their lifestyle and priorities.
Among the reasons prompting a move to rural areas, approximately 17% of respondents expressed discontent with urban living, while 12% mentioned the desire to be closer to family and friends.
A significant proportion, 32%, of those considering a move plan to do so within two years, while 12% anticipate a move more than five years in the future.
However, the study also highlighted challenges faced by individuals who have made the reverse move from rural to urban areas in the past five years.
The primary reason for their shift was work-related, with 40% relocating to be nearer job opportunities, and 31% citing personal reasons. Other factors included improved access to healthcare and medical services (10%), and 6% stated that remote living had become too challenging for them.
Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, advised individuals contemplating leaving cities to carefully consider practicalities such as transportation and healthcare accessibility before planning.
Horizon Aircraft is a Canadian-based innovative leader in hybrid electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aerial vehicles.
Their upcoming aircraft, the Cavorite X5, is designed for longer-range regional passenger or cargo travel. Scheduled for launch in 2026, the eVTOL aims to provide efficient vertical takeoff and landing capabilities while flying at almost twice the distance of a helicopter at a reduced cost.