Relax Like a Pro: The Rise of Commuting and Remote Work in Surry County, NC

J. Michael Jones

Surry County provides the convenience, comfort and support needed to create a successful career working from home or commuting to larger neighboring cities. Whether fully remote or commuting to a nearby metro, Surry County workers find that a rural lifestyle with convenient access to cities like Winston-Salem and Greensboro contributes to a more intentional quality of life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A Better Balance: Commuting with a View

Alisha Hutchens is proud to say that she was born and raised in Surry County,  a foundation that has allowed her to build a flourishing career and long-lasting relationships across the region. Hutchens serves as the regional president of the Triad Region for Novant Health, overseeing major medical facilities including Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Novant Health Medical Park Hospital in Winston-Salem.

“My roots here run deep, with family and friends that span generations,” Hutchens says.

Living in Surry County while commuting to Winston-Salem has allowed Hutchens to maintain a thriving professional life while still staying connected to what matters most to her.

Whether by attending local church services, cheering on her kids’ sports teams or spending time with family, Hutchens is able to find balance between her home and professional life thanks to an easy commute and a family-centric home base.

“The 30-minute drive along Highway 52 gives me time to reflect and prepare for the day ahead,” Hutchens says. “On the drive home, it offers space to decompress for the day, all while enjoying the stunning mountain views. It’s a daily reminder of what’s most important in life.”

Surry County Economic Development Partnership

Rural and Remote: Silicon Valley Output from the Foothills

For Chase Summers, who grew up in Mount Airy, returning to his hometown was a highly anticipated, welcome change of pace after living and working in major tech and business hubs like Charlotte, Raleigh and Wilmington. After settling in Mount Airy with his fiancée in early 2025, Summers, who is the director of operations for Valsoft, a private equity company, found that life began to slow down while his career continued to grow.

“I would say that moving to Mount Airy has been a major catalyst in my growth and my career over the past year,” Summers says. “I love the fact that I can close my laptop and the world goes silent.”

Summers works with clients all over the world and could have worked remotely from anywhere in the country. Ultimately, the affordability, tight-knit community and proximity to family in Mount Airy drew him back to the area.

Compared to living in an apartment in Raleigh, Summers says that even internet connectivity has improved. After a day of work, Summers can step onto his porch, chat with his fiancée, visit family and throw the ball for his dog.

“Moving to Mount Airy made my quality of life so much better,” Summers says.