One in four Canadians residing in urban areas are contemplating a transition to more remote communities, according to a nationwide study conducted by Horizon Aircraft. The study found that 25% of urban Canadians are considering moving out of urban areas, with an additional 15% still undecided.
The desire for a better work-life balance emerged as the primary reason driving the potential rural switch, with 47% of respondents expressing a desire to slow down. Furthermore, 25% cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for reassessing their lifestyle and priorities.
Other reasons motivating the move included a growing dissatisfaction with urban environments (17%), a desire to be closer to family and friends (12%), and an intention to escape the pressures of city life (12%). Among those considering a move, nearly a third (32%) plan to do so within the next two years, while 12% foresee a move more than five years in the future.
However, the study also shed light on challenges faced by those who have made the reverse transition from rural to urban areas in the past five years. Approximately 40% of respondents who moved to urban locations cited work as the main reason, aiming to be closer to job opportunities. Personal reasons accounted for 31% of moves, while 10% sought closer proximity to healthcare services.
Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, emphasized the importance of carefully considering the practicalities of a rural lifestyle, including transportation accessibility and healthcare availability.
Horizon Aircraft, a Canadian-based leader in hybrid electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aerial vehicles, is currently developing the Cavorite X5, an eVTOL aircraft designed for longer-range regional passenger or cargo transportation. The company's innovative approach allows the aircraft to operate as a traditional aircraft for 98% of its mission, offering increased safety and ease of certification. With a range of 800 km (500 miles), a maximum passenger capacity of four plus a pilot, and a payload of 500 kg (1,100 lb), the Cavorite X5 aims to revolutionize business aviation travel by 2026.