Factors Affecting Former Residents’ Returning to Rural Communities

This study reports on reasons for returning and not returning to small-town America and the impacts that return migrants make on their home communities. Interviews at high school reunions show that return migrants are primarily motivated by family considerations. They use skills and experiences acquired elsewhere to start businesses and fill leadership positions.

by John Cromartie, Christiane von Reichert, and Ryan Arthun

Full Story: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/err-economic-research-report/err185.aspx