Here is a great post from the ADP Research Institute about how American population and economic production are being driven by housing supply obstruction and housing expenses. Here are the great closing graphs: As technology improves, the scope of work that can be geographically shifted will only expand, and the process of domestic offshoring is likely to grow. But if high-paid and high-powered individuals continue to concentrate in command-and-control cities while others are priced out, regional inequality is likely to widen. Inasmuch as opportunities arise from geographic proximity, domestic offshoring may limit the scope of opportunity available to those living in more affordable parts of the country, while locking them out of the more expensive ones. And that, in turn, is bound to fuel social and political polarization.
An added frustration to the "superstar city" misconception is that political leadership in those places talks big about "affordable housing" but NEVER implements the policy changes that would allow for more housing. There are exceptions to this, for example Emily Hamilton's article on the TOD development in Arlington County and the general success of Houston. The demographic state of the U.S. seems to be hardening and is distinguished by four dominating conditions: Stagnant, high income ghettos like NYC and SF; cities that are drifting towards the high income ghetto model like Phoenix; sprawling peripheral suburbs like what rings Detroit and many high income ghettos; and finally, dismal rural areas where population is hollowing out.
An added frustration to the "superstar city" misconception is that political leadership in those places talks big about "affordable housing" but NEVER implements the policy changes that would allow for more housing. There are exceptions to this, for example Emily Hamilton's article on the TOD development in Arlington County and the general success of Houston. The demographic state of the U.S. seems to be hardening and is distinguished by four dominating conditions: Stagnant, high income ghettos like NYC and SF; cities that are drifting towards the high income ghetto model like Phoenix; sprawling peripheral suburbs like what rings Detroit and many high income ghettos; and finally, dismal rural areas where population is hollowing out.