An Exodus From The Birthplace Of Suburbia

A population drain on Long Island worries officials, who worry about a declining tax base and labor force.

1 minute read

February 27, 2005, 1:00 PM PST

"More than 50 years ago, World War II veterans and their families swarmed to Long Island for the single-family homes and green lawns of a new, affordable, middle-class dreamland called suburbia. But these days many of their grandchildren can no longer afford to live here.

With census figures showing the number of 18- to 34-year-olds on the island down 20 percent between 1990 and 2000, employers worry about a shrinking labor force, politicians fret about a declining tax base and Long Islanders debate how much change they're willing to consider to stanch the population hemorrhage.

...Other older suburbs across the country--notably California's Orange County and Silicon Valley--also are wrestling with a housing crunch that is pushing out younger workers."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Read the full story: An exodus from suburbia?

Thursday, February 24, 2005 in The Chicago Tribune

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