Megacities Are Growing, But Zoom Towns Are the Future

I’ve been reading 2030: How Today’s Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future by Mauro F. Guillén, and it’s got me thinking—how do we really want to live in the year 2030? As you look across the globe and how things are shaping and reshaping, it makes you wonder: what do you want out of life?

During the pandemic, we all retreated to our homes and started working remotely. It became a habit and a lifestyle—successful for some, but not for all. Now, we see companies and the government saying the experiment is over and that we need to get back into offices. No matter where you stand on this issue, you have to acknowledge that it has changed how we think about work, lifestyle, and balance.

As I read the book, the author brought up the concept of Zoom towns and how we will see a shift from megacities to these new remote-friendly communities.

Where do you want to live in the year 2030? Not just physically, but in terms of lifestyle, work, and community. One of the most interesting concepts in the book is the rise of Zoom towns versus megacities.

Now, don’t get me wrong—megacities aren’t going anywhere. They’ll always have their pull. But here’s the thing: as much as people romanticize city life—the energy, the culture, the food, the action—it’s not for everyone. And honestly, even the people who love it are starting to hit their limit.

The expense. The noise. The stress.

When I worked for Accenture, I was on a project in Manhattan. I had a corporate apartment and flew from my home in Boston to the city every week. I would walk to work and take advantage of all that the city had to offer during the week. But by the time the weekend came, I was ready to go back to my suburban Boston home, relax, and escape the constant stimulation of the city.

So, what’s the alternative? Enter Zoom towns.

The Megacity Dream vs. Reality

Let’s be real: big cities have been the dream for a long time. They’re the setting of almost every coming-of-age movie, every ambitious startup story, every “I made it” moment. They’re where people go to chase opportunities, find themselves, and be part of something bigger.

But if you’ve actually lived in one, you know the truth.

The cost of living is insane. Buying a place? Forget it. Even renting is getting ridiculous. In New York, San Francisco, or London, monthly HOA fees alone can run $12k–$15k. And that’s just for maintenance! The trade-offs—long commutes, tiny apartments, questionable air quality, and the constant grind—start to wear on you.

Look, I love big cities. I love the convenience, the walkability, the culture.

But at what cost?

So, What’s a Zoom Town?

A Zoom town is a smaller, tech-enabled community built around remote work, entrepreneurship, and a more balanced lifestyle. It’s walkable, connected, and vibrant—just without the stress and price tag of a major city. It’s not some off-grid fantasy; it’s a smart alternative for people who still want opportunity but on their own terms.

And let’s talk about timing—governments around the world are trying to attract remote workers because they need people. Countries like Portugal, Italy, and Japan are offering digital nomad visas because their aging populations mean fewer taxpayers. Meanwhile, entire regions in the U.S.—Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma—are just waiting for someone to see the opportunity and build something great.

So, what if instead of cramming into overpacked, overpriced megacities, we built new hubs of innovation in places where life is actually enjoyable?

Think about the quality of life for you and your family—being able to walk to the town center and take advantage of different ways of working. These Zoom towns wouldn’t just be about working from home. They could become centers of excellence for companies, attracting talent and keeping it by offering strong employment opportunities and creating a thriving local economy—not just for new residents but for those already living there.

Why Zoom Towns Are the Future

1. The Cost of Living Is Out of Control
   Big cities aren’t just expensive—they’re becoming unlivable for the middle class. Meanwhile, smaller towns offer a fraction of the cost with an actual quality of life.

2. People Are Choosing Lifestyle Over Location
   We’ve spent decades thinking we had to be in the city to succeed. But now? People want space. They want to raise kids where they can actually run outside. They want work-life balance.

3. Companies Are Rethinking Office Space
   The pandemic proved we don’t need skyscrapers full of desks. Instead of forcing people back into massive office buildings, why not build micro-office hubs in smaller communities? Same talent, lower costs, happier employees.

4. Human Connection Matters
   Big cities have everything—except real community. Zoom towns are designed around connection—walkable town centers, shared workspaces, and community events. The stuff that actually makes life good.

Zoom Towns Aren’t Replacing Cities—They’re Just the Better Choice for More People

Megacities aren’t dying, but they’re not the only option anymore. People are waking up to the idea that they can build careers, raise families, and enjoy life outside the chaos of the city.

Think about it—what if you could have the walkability of a big city but in a compact, affordable, connected town? Where people actually talk to each other? Where your commute isn’t an hour of misery, but a five-minute walk?

The future of work is changing. The future of living is changing.

And if you ask me, Zoom towns are just getting started.