Remote work has changed where many Canadians choose to live. As working from home became more common, people started moving away from expensive big cities to smaller towns with lower housing costs and better surroundings. These places earned a new nickname—”Zoom towns” – because residents can work there using video calls instead of commuting to an office.
I’m sharing what real life looks like in these small Canadian communities that have seen an influx of remote workers. The dream of small-town living comes with surprising realities that differ from what you might expect. Here are 12 honest truths about living in a Canadian Zoom town that don’t make it into the pretty Instagram posts or relocation
Internet Problems Happen More Than You Think
The internet connection in small towns often cuts out during bad weather or busy times. I learned quickly to download important files ahead of meetings just in case my connection drops. Many Zoom town residents end up paying for two different internet providers as a backup when one fails. Some people even drive to the local library or coffee shop when their home internet stops working during important work calls.
Everyone Knows Your Business
In small towns, the cashier at the grocery store might ask about the job interview you mentioned to someone else yesterday. Neighbors notice when your car is gone or when you have visitors staying over. Your mail carrier will know exactly what packages you order and might comment on them when you meet at the local pub. This lack of privacy takes getting used to after living in a city where you could remain mostly anonymous.
Medical Care Takes Longer to Access
Finding a family doctor in a small town can take years, with many residents on long waiting lists. Specialist appointments often require traveling to larger cities, sometimes with overnight stays. Emergency services may be limited, with the nearest hospital potentially an hour away. Many Zoom town residents maintain relationships with their city doctors, scheduling multiple appointments during visits back to the city.
Dating Pools Are Smaller
Meeting potential partners becomes much harder in towns with just a few thousand people. Dating apps show the same faces repeatedly or match you with people who live hours away. Many singles in Zoom towns plan regular trips to cities just to expand their dating options. Some eventually move back to cities, citing the limited social scene as their main reason for leaving.
Winter Feels Longer and Harsher
Winter in small Canadian towns feels more intense than in cities, with fewer distractions and services. Power outages happen more often and can last longer when crews have to travel from far away. Snow clearing happens on main roads first, leaving neighborhood streets buried for days after a storm. The beauty of fresh snow quickly gives way to the reality of shoveling your own driveway every morning before work calls begin.
Locals May Resent Your Presence
Some long-time residents view remote workers as outsiders who raise prices without contributing to local traditions. Comments about “how things used to be” before newcomers arrived can make you feel unwelcome at community events. Building relationships with locals takes time and genuine effort to participate in town activities. Respect for the established community becomes essential for feeling truly at home in your new location.
Restaurant Options Are Limited
The variety of restaurants found in cities simply doesn’t exist in most small towns. The same five eateries quickly become your only options for dining out or ordering in. Many places close for extended periods during tourist off-seasons when business slows down. Learning to cook dishes you crave from the city becomes necessary when the nearest Thai restaurant is two hours away.
Deliveries Take Longer to Arrive
Packages that arrived next-day in the city might take a week or more to reach your Zoom town address. Some delivery services don’t reach small towns at all, listing your address as “outside service area.” Items ordered online occasionally get lost or delayed at rural sorting facilities with less staff. The excitement of ordering something new gets replaced by the patience of waiting for it to eventually arrive.
Community Involvement Becomes Expected
In small towns, refusing to join community events gets noticed and remembered. Neighbors expect you to volunteer for local festivals, fundraisers, and town committees. Your presence at town meetings matters more than it did in the city, where you could blend into the crowd. This increased responsibility to participate can feel both rewarding and overwhelming when you’re still trying to maintain your remote career.
Seasonal Tourism Changes Everything
Many Canadian Zoom towns are also vacation spots that transform completely during tourist season. Summer visitors can triple the local population, making restaurants impossible to get into without reservations. Winter brings ski enthusiasts who fill up roads and hiking trails that were peaceful during the off-season. The rhythm of your town changes dramatically throughout the year, requiring you to adapt your routines with each season.
Wildlife Encounters Are Real
Living in a Zoom town often means sharing space with wildlife that city dwellers rarely see. Bears might visit your garbage cans, forcing you to learn proper waste management techniques. Deer eat garden plants unless you install special fencing to protect your vegetables. Wildlife encounters require new knowledge about how to safely coexist with animals that were never an issue in urban areas.
Professional Networking Happens Differently
Building professional connections requires more creativity when you’re not surrounded by industry events. Virtual networking has become essential, with online groups replacing in-person meetups. Maintaining relationships with former city colleagues takes deliberate effort to prevent career isolation. Many Zoom town workers schedule quarterly trips to urban centers just to attend industry functions and remain visible in their professional communities.
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