Is Remote Work Driving a Rural Renaissance? Discover the Impact on Communities!

The Shift in Remote Work

In history, pivot points are once-in-a-generation occurrences where communities can leap forward or be left behind. Notably, Adirondack communities that embraced tourism following the great industrial shutdown of the 1970s (like Lake George, Schroon Lake, Saranac Lake, Old Forge, and Lake Placid) are vibrant communities today because of it.

Conversely, communities that did not adapt (such as Au Sable Forks, Star Lake, Moriah, and Lyon Mountain) have struggled. Today, another pivot point is emerging, harder to see but potentially just as consequential: the phenomenon of remote work.

I talked about this movement with Michael Ammaturo, co-founder of Bendicoot, a remote-work training center in Washington County. He advocates for a Rural Renaissance, which he believes remote workers will drive. According to Ammaturo, "The Rural Renaissance is a decentralization of economic power and control.” Traditionally, college graduates flocked to cities for work opportunities. However, remote work allows individuals to choose their living location first.

The initial wave of remote work began with a trickle, but “the first big wave came with Covid,” Ammaturo noted. Many professional workers now seek flexible conditions, a trend that persists despite corporate pushback demanding more office presence. Ammaturo asserts, “This is a phenomenon that is not going away.”

Instead of prioritizing career over location, employees can now decide where to live and then seek companies willing to hire remote workers. Fields such as tech, finance, and entertainment typically employ these workers, who often have the skills to work independently or for other companies.

Interestingly, a new generation of “new-collar workers” is emerging—talented young people who have become disillusioned with the traditional college path. The Harvard Business Journal encourages companies to rethink credential requirements, which may be depriving them of talent.

The remote work model attracts lifestyle-oriented workers and offers local young people opportunities without leaving home. So, what do remote workers need? A welcoming community that recognizes their presence, access to remote work centers for networking, and opportunities for community involvement.

Communities that understand this will likely improve their circumstances, just as those that recognized tourism's potential thrived in the post-industrial Adirondack ecosystem. Although it's hard to quantify how many remote workers are already present, anecdotal evidence suggests a substantial and likely growing number. Many remote workers, like a tech worker from Pennsylvania, express gratitude for the chance to work in beautiful locations like the Adirondacks.

Alexis and Dempsey Conners at their tractor in Schroon Lake. They moved to the Adirondacks with their remote jobs and later transitioned to other work.
Photo by Tim Rowland

Communities should not take remote workers for granted, as their presence can be pivotal for local growth and prosperity.