1Since working from home became normal, thousands of city dwellers have moved to small towns.
2They arrive with laptops and city salaries, looking for cheaper houses and quieter streets.
3At first, local people welcomed the new cafes, shops, and busy markets that followed.
4Empty buildings on the main street have turned into offices and bakeries again.
5However, house prices have risen so fast that many young families can no longer buy.
6Some longtime residents feel their town is becoming a place they barely recognize.
7The newcomers, meanwhile, sometimes struggle to become part of the close community.
8Real integration happens at school gates, sports clubs, and village festivals, not online.
9Town councils now face difficult questions about growth, local identity, and fairness for everyone.
10If managed wisely, this migration could bring dying towns back to life.
11The challenge is to grow without losing the character that made these towns special.