Here’s Why Investors are Turning to Rural Properties

Last Updated: December 15, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: December 15, 2025.

Have you noticed in the real estate market that there’s been a fairly big shift happening? Like, in order to have a really good investment portfolio, it’s about diversifying, well, more specifically, diversifying and investing in rural areas, more specifically, here. Now sure, while cities keep getting louder, more expensive, and more crowded, a lot of investors are looking in the opposite direction. 

Of course, cities are always going to be in demand; there’s more and more high-rise buildings forming in just about every major and medium-sized city. That’s only going to keep happening here. And as you might remember, during COVID, a lot of people moved to rural areas (those from major cities) to save some money while working remotely. 

While that trend is mostly over, the practice of buying properties in rural areas has not and probably won’t be dying out anytime soon. Rural properties aren’t being treated like a backup plan anymore. They’re becoming the main plan. 

Rural Areas are No Longer “Out of the Way”

For a long time, rural land got brushed off as inconvenient or too remote to matter. To a degree, they are, well, not every area, but a lot are; there’s seriously no denying that. But even so, that thinking doesn’t really hold up anymore. No, really, because like what was already mentioned here, remote work changed things, travel habits changed things, and tourism definitely changed things.

Actually, states like Montana and Wyoming are a great example. Nowadays, you’ve got ranches, resorts, eco-lodges, and outdoor-focused businesses that are thriving in places that used to be overlooked. Of course, there’s the dark side to that, actually, Yellowstone, the show, did bring up the fact that corporations are trying to forcefully buy out ranchers and their land. So, of course, when investing, be it a house or whatever, you do seriously need to put ethics into practice here. 

The Entry Cost Still Makes Sense

One of the biggest reasons rural properties stand out right now is affordability. Which is probably obvious because rural areas aren’t that high in demand. As you already know, city prices have pushed a lot of people out entirely. But rural areas still offer opportunities that feel realistic, not intimidating. But of course, it still depends on the area you’re investing in. Like, rural property in the Rockies is going to cost more than the Smoky Mountains.

Anyways, land prices are lower, property taxes are often more manageable, and there’s flexibility in how the land is used. Some buyers want to invest, while others want to build. Plus, some just want space to live without stretching finances to the breaking point. So, just being able to look at land for sale and actually picture owning it without panic is a big deal, right?

Tourism And Commercial Opportunities are Growing

Well, it’s a double-edged sword, because it’s great for the local economy if tourism grows, but at the same time, you don’t want locals to be priced out (Bozeman, Orlando, and Gatlinburg are all great examples). But more and more, you’ll see that resorts, retreat centers, event spaces, and destination-style businesses are popping up in rural regions more than ever. 

People want experiences, not just locations. So, depending on where your property is, this could greatly benefit you.