Why Moving to a Small Town Isn’t the Fertility Game-Changer You Expected

Posted on 23 July 2025 by Amelia Nguyen 4 min

Have you ever wondered if moving away from the frantic pace of a big city could boost your chances of starting a family? It sounds like a dream: affordable housing, peaceful surroundings, and closer community ties all promising a better quality of life — and maybe, improved fertility prospects. But what if the reality is more complicated?

A recent Business Insider article titled “My family moved from a big US city to a small town in Southern Italy 11 years ago. Living here looked better on paper.” sheds light on the nuanced realities of such a move. It reveals that although some benefits are undeniable — like cost savings on housing and healthcare — families often face unexpected downsides that can affect their overall well-being and family planning goals.

The Allure of Small-Town Life: More Than Just Affordability

At first glance, relocating to a small town appears to solve many problems. Lower living costs mean less financial strain, which can be crucial when embarking on the often expensive journey to parenthood. Stress reduction is another major factor; less noise, less congestion, and a slower pace can promote hormonal balance, a key ingredient in fertility.

Yet, the family in Italy discovered that the flip side includes limited access to specialized healthcare and fertility clinics, fewer social support networks, and sometimes, cultural or language barriers that can add stress rather than relieving it. These factors subtly but powerfully influence physical and emotional readiness to conceive.

The Hidden Fertility Challenges of Rural Relocation

Data shows that proximity to fertility specialists and easy access to fertility treatments like IVF can significantly impact success rates. When these are scarce, hopeful parents face increased hurdles. For example, fewer local healthcare options might mean longer wait times, additional travel stress, or reliance on less specialized providers.

Moreover, the emotional toll of isolation or feeling disconnected from a larger support community can affect mental health — and as we know, mental well-being plays a critical role in fertility outcomes.

Bridging the Gap: How At-Home Fertility Solutions Make a Difference

This is where innovative, privacy-focused, and cost-effective tools come into play. Companies like MakeAMom have developed at-home insemination kits that empower individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey without the constraints of geography.

MakeAMom’s reusable kits—such as CryoBaby for low-volume or frozen sperm, the Impregnator kit for low motility sperm, and BabyMaker for those facing sensitivity challenges—deliver an average reported success rate of 67%. This is a game-changer for people living far from specialized clinics or those seeking more discreet, convenient options.

What This Means for Your Family Planning Decisions

Could moving to a small town improve your chances of conceiving? The answer isn’t straightforward. It's essential to weigh the clear benefits of affordability and reduced stress against challenges like healthcare accessibility and emotional support.

If you find yourself in a setting where specialized services are limited, exploring modern, flexible fertility solutions at home might just be the secret weapon in your toolkit. Not only do these options offer privacy and comfort, but they also can be a cost-effective alternative to repeated clinical visits.

Bottom Line: A Balanced Approach to Fertility and Location

Relocating for a better life is a bold, often rewarding decision — but when it comes to fertility, remember there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Combining the tranquility of small-town living with innovative fertility support devices can help balance out the scales.

So, what’s next for you? Are you ready to research how your new environment might impact your journey to parenthood — and take proactive steps with at-home solutions like those offered by MakeAMom?

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on balancing location, lifestyle, and fertility. Drop a comment below or share this post with someone navigating these big decisions!