The term “Zoom Towns” emerged during the pandemic, describing smaller, scenic communities that experienced population booms as remote workers sought more space and a better quality of life. Bend, Oregon, was a prime example, attracting new residents drawn to its outdoor amenities and lifestyle.
According to a recent NewHomeSource article, these towns have matured as remote work stabilizes. In Bend, while housing prices remain high, growth has cooled, and there’s a noticeable shift towards smaller, more attainable housing options.
Hiatus CEO, Jesse Russell, observes:
“The influx of remote workers during the pandemic highlighted the need for diverse housing solutions. As the initial surge settles, we’re seeing a demand for homes that are not only high-performance but also attainable by design.”
At Hiatus Homes, we’ve long championed the development of small-footprint, high-performance homes that align with this evolving demand. Our projects in Bend and across the country focus on creating communities that offer quality living without excessive space or cost.
The evolution of Zoom Towns underscores the importance of adaptable housing strategies. As remote work becomes a permanent fixture for many, towns like Bend must continue to innovate in housing to meet the needs of a diverse population.
Excerpt from NewHomeSource:
New buyers, new priorities
The people buying in Zoom towns have shifted dramatically.
“During the peak, many of our buyers were cash-rich remote workers looking to relocate from places like San Francisco, Portland, or Seattle,” Russell said. “Today, while design and sustainability are still key, price sensitivity has increased sharply.”
This change reflects the broader transition from a market driven by lifestyle migrants to one balancing local needs with continued outside interest.
Small is the new sensible
The housing affordability crisis has pushed builders nationwide to think more creatively about cost-effective construction and smaller, smarter footprints.
Hiatus Homes specializes in creating cottage cluster communities in Bend, with energy-efficient small homes built around shared spaces and walkable neighborhoods.
Russell, who previously worked on the TV show “Tiny House Nation,” returned to his hometown to develop these intentional communities after recognizing the potential of small-footprint housing.
What it means: These small-footprint homes represent a significant shift in American housing. For generations, the trend was toward ever-larger homes. Now, price pressures have builders thinking smaller.
“Small-footprint homes—especially in walkable, community-focused developments—offer a solution by making ownership more attainable without sacrificing quality of life,” Russell said.
Read the full article:
https://www.newhomesource.com/news/housing-market-trends/zoom-towns-where-are-they-now
