Quality of Life, Nontraditional Income, and Economic Growth New Development Opportunities for the Rural West

Areas with high levels of natural amenities have enjoyed growing populations and income levels in the past decade. Much of this growth has come from the inmigration of people with income from self-employment or investments. These new migrants are usually well-educated and often work as executives or professionals or in such industries as finance, insurance, and real estate or business services. Communities may find that policies that enhance the quality of life (better schools, environmental protection, etc.) can attract more of these people who are in a financial position to act upon their residential preferences. This in turn can stimulate economic development.