Rural growth and urban newcomers

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Abstract
The recent population turnaround has led to considerable speculation about the impact newcomers from cities will have on future population growth and development in rural areas. It is generally felt that their views will conflict with those of established residents. What has been overlooked in recent discussions of impact, however, is the fact that fast growing rural areas are also experiencing an influx of newcomers from other rural areas as well. This article compares the attitudes of newcomers from cities with those of rural newcomers and rural residents on several growth and development issues. The findings demonstrate a strong consensus in favor of future population growth and economic development among newcomers and residents alike. Differences arise, however, on questions regarding tax increases to improve various services. Newcomers from rural areas tend to be more disposed toward tax increases than either the urban newcomers or residents. The research suggests that rural newcomers may be more likely to function as advocates of change in a local situation than former urbanites.