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If you start a trend and the cost of living goes up, it will cause some tension.

Exactly, a lot of people move into small towns and then unintentionally create tension with locals because they have purchasing power that is 3 to 20x anyone in the surrounding area. Most people don't factor in envy when they move someplace.

They also don't realize there could be some cultural differences and push for changes that the original people don't want.

It's common sense but spending time listening and learning before spouting opinions will probably help smooth relationships with the locals.

Absolutely.

On a side note, I have a neighbor that decided to run for local office the first year he moved to our town. I found it interesting that someone would want to run for office before getting to know the people, not to mention that's a pretty quick time to form opinions about the town's politicians to the point of wanting to take their office. I guess it doesn't matter since he wasn't elected.

It would also increase local demand and revenue for whatever businesses they frequent. But nowadays that’s less of a given than ever before for sure.

I will warn you though that if you move from population centers you will soon discover a lack of the stores and entertainment venues from them.

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