Urban Vs. Rural: Has The U.S. Reached Equilibrium?

After two centuries of urbanization, has the U.S. reached an equilibrium between urban and rural lifestyles?

1 minute read

April 4, 2001, 12:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"This return to rural areas, after a hiatus in the 1980s, reconfirms a movement first seen in the 1970s. It suggests that after two centuries of urbanization, which emptied America's countryside and fueled the growth of its great metropolises, the nation has reached a rough equilibrium.... In 11 states as diverse as Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Utah, nonmetro growth actually outpaced the rise in metropolitan population."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Tuesday, April 3, 2001 in The Christian Science Monitor

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Close-up of traffic congestion from behind cars on a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop

When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

March 17, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up on charging port for electric cars.

Electric Surge: EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles in California

California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline nozzles, reflecting its rapid shift toward clean transportation and aggressive zero-emission goals despite federal pushback.

30 minutes ago - Inside EVs

Oil pumpjack in a field at sunset.

How Orphan Oil Wells Threaten West Texas Communities

Abandoned and orphaned oil wells in West Texas are causing costly environmental hazards like sinkholes and leaks, prompting urgent calls for increased funding and regulation to address a growing statewide and national crisis.

1 hour ago - Oil Price

Glass high-rise reflecting clouds.

Protecting Birds From Window Glass

Glass windows kill billions of birds each year. Simple fixes can help.

3 hours ago - Reasons to Be Cheerful