A recent study reveals a concerning trend: young families with children are fleeing major urban centers at an alarming rate, potentially signaling a shift in urban policy and its impact on family life. Leading real estate investor Grant Cardone joins the discussion, highlighting the consequences of the current housing affordability crisis and its implications for the future of homeownership.
A recent report by the Manhattan Institute and analysis by Derek Thompson of The Atlantic has shed light on a concerning trend: young families with children are leaving urban cities in significant numbers. This exodus has raised questions about the effectiveness of urban progressive policies and their impact on family life.
Urban Exodus: Young Families Leaving Blue Cities in Record Numbers
According to a census analysis by Connor O'Brien of the Economic Innovation Group, the under-5 population is declining twice as fast in large urban counties compared to other areas of the country. Counties including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx have witnessed a nearly 20% decline in the number of younger children between 2020 and 2023. Similar declines have been observed in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, and St. Louis.
The reasons for this urban exodus are complex and multifaceted. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an existing trend of young, high-income, college-educated Whites moving into cities while multiracial families with children moved out. Additionally, the number of women under 40 who have never given birth has doubled since the 1980s.
Urban Exodus: Young Families Leaving Blue Cities in Record Numbers
However, the decline in the under-5 population cannot solely be attributed to the pandemic or the declining birthrate. The Atlantic argues that cities in blue states have failed to build adequate housing and contain childcare inflation compared to cities in red states. This has made it increasingly difficult for families to afford living in urban areas.
The exodus of young families has significant political implications. As O'Brien notes, a rapid decline in the population of young children can lead to a lack of advocates for policies that support families, such as better schools and local playgrounds.
Urban Exodus: Young Families Leaving Blue Cities in Record Numbers
Robert VerBruggen, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, corroborates the findings of the Atlantic report, emphasizing that the decline in children in major cities is a continuation of a trend that has existed for several decades. He notes that American cities were already relatively light on children even before the current exodus.
VerBruggen expresses concern that this trend is depriving children and parents of access to vibrant urban environments and the benefits they offer. He argues that cities are losing the essential human experience of being around children and the vitality they bring to communities.
Urban Exodus: Young Families Leaving Blue Cities in Record Numbers
VerBruggen proposes that cities can address this issue by building more housing, specifically for families, to reduce costs. They should also offer families educational choice and make public areas more accessible to children.
The urban exodus highlights the ongoing housing affordability crisis in the United States, particularly for younger generations. High mortgage rates and expensive construction materials have made it difficult for people to become homeowners. The shortage of housing in blue states is driving up costs, making it challenging for families to afford living in urban areas.
VerBruggen concludes by stressing the need for cities to take action to address the urban exodus and create environments that are more supportive of families. By building more affordable housing, controlling disorder, offering educational choice, and making public areas more accessible, cities can attract and retain young families, ensuring their vitality and the well-being of future generations.
