What is the term for the movement of people and businesses from cities to smaller towns or rural areas?

The term "Counter-urbanization" accurately describes the movement of people and businesses from urban centers to smaller towns or rural areas. This process often occurs as individuals seek a better quality of life, including lower living costs, less congestion, and a desire for more space and a closer connection to nature. This movement can be influenced by factors such as telecommuting opportunities, an aging population looking for quieter environments, or lifestyle changes that prioritize community and sustainability.

In contrast, urban sprawl refers to the unchecked expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land, typically marked by the spread of low-density housing and businesses. Suburbanization involves the growth of suburbs, which are typically located on the outskirts of cities, often characterized by residential developments catering to those wishing to live outside urban centers but still close enough to commute into the city for work. Exurban migration, while similar to counter-urbanization, generally relates to movement to areas further away from urban centers that often combine urban and rural characteristics, emphasizing lifestyle choices driven by access to nature and space rather than the direct transition to smaller towns or rural settings.