All articles tagged with #suburbs
MoneyLion's 2024 analysis ranks Scarsdale, New York, as the wealthiest U.S. suburb by average household income, while five New Jersey towns enter the national top 50. The report highlights high home values and geographic concentration in California, New York, and Texas.
A Nature Sustainability study argues that America’s loneliness problem isn’t just about individual social skills but about how suburbs are laid out—curving streets, cul-de-sacs, and car-centric homes reduce everyday interactions, increasing social isolation even if people aren’t physically far from others. The research distinguishes isolation from loneliness and notes that “garden-city” style configurations cut down casual encounters, suggesting redesigns could improve neighborly contact, though density or closeness alone doesn’t guarantee reduced loneliness.
A JAMA Network Open study links higher dementia mortality to mid-density neighborhoods (roughly 20–40 people per hectare, about 5,000–10,000 per square mile), typically suburbs near big cities where access to doctors and walkability are limited. Denser cities and rural areas show weaker associations. The research suggests improving nearby primary care, public transport, and safe walking routes could avert tens of thousands of dementia deaths over a decade, with the largest gains in underserved communities.
America’s housing crisis stems from a century-old suburban model built on single-family zoning; over the next 50 years, reforms like YIMBY policies, ADUs, and smarter urban planning could turn suburbs into denser, walkable, mixed-use places—and even launch new cities—though outcomes depend on immigration, financing, and political will.
Axios analysis of ACS data shows millions of Americans age 65+ are aging into poverty or near-poverty in suburbs outside major city cores, where limited transit, housing costs, and fewer services amplify financial strain and isolation. Poverty among seniors nationwide is about 11%–15% (roughly 3–5 million), with growth concentrated outside urban cores and the fastest rise among the 80+ demographic who require more paid care. Suburban infrastructure gaps mean even modest poverty rates affect many who have long lived in these communities, highlighting a national mismatch in housing, transit, and support services.
Texas added about 391,243 residents (1.2% growth) between July 2024 and July 2025, with suburban areas outside Austin, Dallas, and Houston leading the gains as international migration slows. Urban centers like Dallas County declined while suburbs such as Waller County near Houston surged, keeping Texas’ metro areas growing even as immigration wanes; Houston and Dallas–Fort Worth remained the largest contributors to overall population gains.
A young family relocating from Liechtenstein to Dallas sought a spacious home in Collin County, prioritizing space, a good school district, and family-friendly amenities, ultimately choosing a property that met their criteria within their budget.
Despite a national housing slump, select Northeast and Midwest suburbs are experiencing high demand, driven by wealthier buyers seeking value, space, and proximity to urban centers, with inventory levels remaining low and buyers well-prepared financially.
Lauren Palmigiano moved from LA to the suburbs seeking peace but found the silence and solitude unfulfilling, ultimately returning to LA to reconnect with its vibrant chaos and community, realizing that her need for connection outweighs her desire for tranquility.
Summerville, South Carolina, has been identified as the top job-magnet suburb in the U.S. for 2024 by Move Buddha, thanks to its booming job market and affordable real estate. The town has seen significant job growth, particularly in the tech industry, and a high in-to-out move ratio, indicating its growing appeal. Despite increasing demand, housing prices remain relatively affordable compared to other job hubs like Beverly Hills. This trend highlights the growing popularity of suburbs near robust job markets, driven by both remote work trends and economic opportunities.
The decline of Democratic support in some suburban areas may be linked to contentious school board battles over issues like curriculum content and COVID-19 policies. These local disputes have energized conservative voters and shifted some suburban areas towards Republican candidates, impacting recent election outcomes.
Current betting trends show Trump leading, particularly in rural areas, while Harris is performing better in suburban regions compared to Biden. However, historical patterns from 2020 and 2016 suggest caution, as early predictions can be misleading. In North Carolina's Chatham County, Harris is outperforming Biden, but rural votes could shift the outcome. Observers are advised to closely monitor these dynamics.
Niche's 2024 "Best Places to Live in the Chicago Area" report ranks Naperville as the top spot, with Clarendon Hills, Long Grove, Hinsdale, and Evanston also making the list. The Loop is the only Chicago neighborhood included. The report also features rankings for other Midwestern cities and suburbs, with Carmel, Indiana, and Long Grove, Illinois, receiving high marks. Overall, the report provides insights into the best places to live and raise a family in America, using a rigorous methodology to guide decisions on where to live.
Donald Trump is gaining support in the Iowa suburbs, a demographic that was previously skeptical of him, potentially securing his third consecutive GOP nomination and a second term. Suburbanites, who have historically been MAGA-skeptical, are now showing signs of support for Trump, with factors such as his focus on crime, border security, and agricultural policies contributing to his appeal. This shift in suburban support could have significant implications for the 2024 election and the GOP primary, with potential implications for a general election rematch with President Joe Biden.
Millennials, who once transformed urban neighborhoods into exclusive playgrounds, are now being priced out of cities due to rising housing costs and mortgage rates, leading them to move to far-flung suburbs. The pandemic has accelerated this trend, with many regretting their move to the suburbs but being unable to return due to soaring housing costs. As a result, millennials are transforming suburban communities into more amenity-rich areas, potentially easing the pressure on overcrowded cities.