AN increasing number of investors and families are turning to small country towns for recreational, lifestyle and employment opportunities, according to Nationals WA. Party leader Brendon Grylls said housing and land in many small inland towns, between one and three hours from Perth, were being bought by astute investors and families seeking a genuine alternative to city living. Mr Grylls said rural real estate companies were struggling to keep up with demand as many homes in regional towns were snapped up within days of going onto the market.