Middle Class Resettlement in Older Urban Neighborhoods: The Evidence and the Implications

Abstract

The recent migration of middle-income households to older urban neighborhoods appears to be a growing phenomenon. It contradicts long-established notions held by planners about residential location decisions. Neighborhood empirical studies indicate that overall, these households are quite consistent in their demographic characteristics. Most importantly, they do not appear to be moving “back to the city” from suburban locations. Most are established urbanites. Variables relating to economic choices, the character of the built environment, and employment accessibility explain most locational decisions. The critical negative externality associated with this migration pattern is the resulting displacement of low-income families. However, this outcome must be weighed against the considerable benefits which accrue to the central city economy, fiscal base, and housing stock.