what does Hester remain in the town

Are you asking two questions here? Hester remains in town because it is her home: the town is what she knows. She still loves Dimmesdale and she is content to live her penance. Hester returns to live the rest of her life in her cottage, and she becomes famous throughout the community for her help with the poor and sick. I think Hester's identity lies in this village. The place, for better or for worse, had defined her. It provided the setting where her precious Pearl was conceived and raised.