The ability to work remotely is an advantage not only for your work-life balance, it could also benefit your financial outlook if you are able to move to a more cost-effective community. While your employer may be situated in a metropolitan area, when you work remotely you have the option to take residence in areas that have a decreased cost of living and a better quality of life.

If you could choose to work anywhere, why not make it in a scenic area where you can live comfortably and enjoy access to the same business amenities as in larger markets? High-speed internet access and easy entry to Highway 20 make it almost effortless to connect with your corporate headquarters when needed. Freeport and Stephenson County offer the highlights of small-town lifestyle with the opportunity to connect with the “big city” life just a short-drive away.

The Christian Science Monitor recently reported a trend of young people, drawn by family ties and affordable entrepreneurship, returning to rural and small-town homes around college graduation. They’re opening restaurants or starting small, unconventional farming operations. And a Gallup poll in 2018 found that while roughly 80 percent of the population live in urban areas, rural life was the most desired.

The way the world works is changing and it is no longer about commuting to high-rise offices. Create the lifestyle and environment you crave by surrounding yourself with the best of natural beauty and the ability to stay connected and productive.

Freeport and Stephenson County offer a variety of amenities to help you stay engaged with your career in a less-urban setting. Take the time to fantasize about what work could truly look like for you if you aren’t required to be in the office – it looks a lot like home!