From bust to Zoom, small towns are finding a new chance to thrive Alexandra Hudson, Opinion contributor
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. As I enter Anchor Coffee, I am greeted by the scent of freshly ground beans and the sound of mellow jazz.
Something special is happening is this small community in the foothills of Appalachia and in other smaller American communities that for years suffered as jobs evaporated and younger people moved away.
As millions of workers have adapted to remote work in the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, small towns across the country have welcomed new residents, who suddenly can live and work where they choose rather than where their jobs dictate.
As remote work becomes the norm for millions of Americans, smaller communities have become more attractive.
Alexandra Hudson
Opinion contributor
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. As I enter Anchor Coffee, I am greeted by the scent of freshly ground beans and the sound of mellow jazz.
Something special is happening is this small community in the foothills of Appalachia and in other smaller American communities that for years suffered as jobs evaporated and younger people moved away.
As millions of workers have adapted to remote work in the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, small towns across the country have welcomed new residents, who suddenly can live and work where they choose rather than where their jobs dictate.
The year 2020 is one of the worst in recent memory, with a pandemic, economic crisis, months of social unrest and a divisive election. Over 300,000 Americans are dead from COVID-19, including nearly 70 in Wilkes County.
Millions of people are out of work and small businesses are closing by the thousands, including restaurants locally. Rates of poverty and addiction are rising and months of isolation will have damaging effects.
This was a year without hugs. We saw fewer people and did less of what we enjoy. Weâll remember 2020 for all the cancelled plans and postponed weddings, but there also were blessings.
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