16 Businesses You Can Start if You Want To Move to a Small Town

Leaving busy city life behind and relocating to a small town is a fantasy for many. While the lower cost of living in rural areas is undoubtedly a draw and may lower your financial stress, many people are stuck on the idea that real money-making opportunities only exist in cities.

However, if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and dreams of relocating to a more remote area, here are 16 businesses you could open that are well-suited to small communities.

Entrepreneurs who have always dreamed of opening a restaurant can succeed in small towns by filling a specific niche. For example, say your dream town lacks any farm-to-table restaurants or great diners — filling these needs could mean significant returns on your investment.

While plenty of handyman services exist in big cities, people living in smaller, rural areas may struggle to find someone to tend to regular household issues.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that average maintenance and repair workers make just under $24 hourly, but if you open a business and only have to pay yourself, this could mean much higher wages.

Starting a daycare or babysitting service in a small town can fulfill community needs and be lucrative. This can be a brilliant business idea for those with experience in teaching or childcare and areas without larger daycare centers.

A catering company could be a better alternative if you love cooking but think the demands of operating a restaurant are too great.

Running a catering company means you can pick and choose which events to work on — and some people even run catering businesses out of their own homes.

Cities are rife with cleaning services of all sorts, but small towns may lack access.

This could be a lucrative opportunity if you know how to make a kitchen or bathroom sparkle. You won’t need many supplies or startup money, and the business can grow through positive reviews and word of mouth.

Pet services are also lacking in many small towns, and if you have experience as a groomer, sitter, or dog walker, a small town could be a big opportunity.

Setting up a grooming service may initially require more startup money than dog walking or sitting services, which anyone can start through a service like Rover and grow independently.

Antique and thrift shops can thrive even in areas without much foot traffic if they build a good reputation. Moreover, savvy shop owners who scour local flea markets, estate sales, and online resale markets can secure much of the inventory cheaply.

Small towns may be lacking in coffee shops and bars — and a hybrid approach means you’ll have something to serve customers all day. Since cafes that also serve alcoholic beverages are relatively rare, it could be a gold mine in many rural areas.

You don’t necessarily need experience as an educator to start a profitable tutoring service (though it certainly helps).

If you enjoy working with kids or young adults and have a knack for math, writing, or science, offering tutoring services can be a great way to make extra cash while engaging with your community.

This one will work better if your small town is near a larger city or landmark that people are interested in visiting. Offering an affordable and comfortable B&B service can be lucrative, especially if nearby hotels are sparse or significantly more expensive.

Landscaping is another service lacking in smaller, more rural areas, but businesses that build a solid reputation can boom.

Starting a small landscaping business may be particularly valuable in towns where older residents no longer want to tend to intricate lawns.

Photography services are needed for many events, from weddings to graduations to community events.

The initial startup money for a photography business may be high since equipment can be pricey, but those with a creative eye and some editing skills can charge quite a bit for their services, even in a small town.

These days, many health and wellness coaches find clients online. However, this business could be well-suited for small towns, particularly if you have experience as a personal trainer or nutritionist.

While big cities are rife with gyms and trainers, small towns may have a need.

With the rise in online shopping, brick-and-mortar clothing shops have taken a hit.

However, if you relocate to a small town without easy access to a mall or major department store, being one of the few places where customers can try on clothing could be a hit, especially if you offer unique or niche items.

Securing the proper license to open a liquor store can be challenging, and the requirements vary from state to state, but booze is generally a good business. Liquor stores can also fulfill a specific need — like offering an extensive wine selection — in areas where options may be lacking.

A food truck is another great option for those who love cooking but don’t love the idea of owning and operating a restaurant.

Food trucks can have small menus, drive to different destinations depending on demand, and fill community needs by offering affordable, on-the-go food options.

Whether you’re looking for a side hustle to help pay your bills or to start a new business completely, small towns present ideal opportunities to entrepreneurs, particularly those who can use their niche interests or talents to fill a community need.