> I can see what you describe being the norm in a large city. Where I live now - small town, middle of inner-nowhere - it's not.
Not to be an ass, but to recap your "rebuttal": in the places which are dying this isn't the case, but I could see it happening in the places that are becoming increasingly prevalent and important it might be.
I think the change is undeniable, you're just in one of the last places that will get hit.
in the places which are dying
In what sense do you mean 'dying'? 'Prevalent and important'?
Wealth creation seems to be focussed increasingly on metropolitan areas and the rural manufacturing and farming areas seem to be going through population decline.
rural manufacturing and farming areas seem to be going through population decline.
I will allow this is the case for some areas. It it not universally true.
It sure isn't where I live.
Maybe you are in a real anomaly, but whenever we leave the city, once we get pass commuting distance the number of For Sale signs is astounding (sometimes like 10% of a town or hamlet) while in the city housing is booming.
I don't think I live in an anomaly.
Statewide statistics here: http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.wi.htm
I live in this met region: http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.wi_oshkosh_msa.htm
This is not the norm, in my experience.
Worth noting that America is a big place, with lots of variety. You know this of course.
I can see what you describe being the norm in a large city. Where I live now - small town, middle of inner-nowhere - it's not.