From bust to Zoom, small towns are finding a new chance to thrive Alexandra Hudson, Opinion contributor NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — As I enter Anchor Coffee, I am greeted by the scent of freshly ground beans and the sound of mellow jazz. Something special is happening is this small community in the foothills of Appalachia and in other smaller American communities that for years suffered as jobs evaporated and younger people moved away. As millions of workers have adapted to remote work in the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, small towns across the country have welcomed new residents, who suddenly can live and work where they choose rather than where their jobs dictate.