To the Point

The Decline of Suburbia

For more than 50 years, Americans were drawn to the suburbs, with their sylvan promises of easy living. Owning your own home with a car in the driveway and piece of lawn was seen as central to the American dream. But the latest census numbers show a reverse migration into the cities.

By Madeleine Brand • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

For more than 50 years, Americans were drawn to the suburbs, with their sylvan promises of easy living. Owning your own home with a car in the driveway and piece of lawn was seen as central to the American dream. But the latest census numbers show a reverse migration into the cities. Real estate is more valuable there, and even big box retailers are setting up shop downtown. Is this just a Sex and the City trend or is it really goodbye for good to Ozzie and Harriet?

Madeleine Brand
Host, 'Press Play'
Caitlin Shamberg
KCRW
Christian Bordal
Managing Producer, Greater LA
Sonata Lee Narcisse
Associate Producer, 'To the Point' and 'Which Way, LA?'
Leigh Gallagher
author
Sam Staley
Florida State University
Elizabeth Kneebone
Brookings Institute

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National

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To the Point

The Decline of Suburbia

For more than 50 years, Americans were drawn to the suburbs, with their sylvan promises of easy living. Owning your own home with a car in the driveway and piece of lawn was seen as central to the American dream. But the latest census numbers show a reverse migration into the cities.

Share

To the Point

The Decline of Suburbia

For more than 50 years, Americans were drawn to the suburbs, with their sylvan promises of easy living. Owning your own home with a car in the driveway and piece of lawn was seen as central to the American dream. But the latest census numbers show a reverse migration into the cities.

Share