Downtowns See Healthy Residential Growth

Metropolitan Council researchers say there are a number of factors contributing to vitality in the downtowns. One has to do with national demographic trends that favor downtown living, not the least of which are growing numbers of aging baby boomers and young professionals.Another factor is amenities and the mix of land uses that puts parks, housing, jobs, recreation, education and entertainment all in close proximity with good access. A third is the growth in the information economy, which places a premium on access to concentrations of sophisticated computer and communications technology.Finally, recent investments in the downtowns and central cities make them more appealing places to live, as well as work.