A Brookings Institution analysis of 2000-2008 census data show interesting trends. [Link] See also Brookings: State of Metro America
Highlights:
- Suburbs are now more likely to be home to a poor, rapidly growing older population as younger, educated whites move to urban centers.
- A majority of all racial and ethnic groups in large metro areas live outside the city.
- Suburbs have the largest poor population in the U.S., and a majority of baby boomers age 55 to 64.
- “White flight” is turning into “bright flight” as aspiring young adults move to cities, seeking access to knowledge-based jobs, public transportation, and a new city ambiance.
- Recommendations: “affordable housing and social services for older people in the suburbs; better transit systems to link cities and suburbs; and a new federal Office of New Americans to serve the education and citizenship needs of the rapidly growing immigrant community.”
