Quote:
Originally Posted by Steely Dan
quality of life probably does play a part, but if americans were actually interested in strong inner cities, then the northeast would be blowing all other regions out of the water. nothing comes close to the bos-wash when it comes to strong inner cities. the vast majority of americans still seem to want cheap large homes in the suburbs, that's part of the reason why states where that type of arrangement predominates (even within the city propers through most of the sunbelt) are seeing the largest amount of growth.
|
Strong inner cities doesn't have to mean New York. West Coast inner cities are generally growing, not only despite their lower densities but actually facilitated in part by their lower densities...more room to grow.
Many people move to the West Coast because of the mix of strong inner cities, scenery, and access to water and mountains. It's a mix that many people find more attractive than the great (I agree) inner cities of the East Coast.
Bo-Wash has relatively "full" inner cities, particularly in the stronger neighborhoods. If the strong neighborhoods had room to grow the story would be different.