More Americans are trading skyscrapers for cul-de-sacs as once-booming cities see residents leave in record numbers.
The lights, the action, the culture. We’re often told that big city life is the American dream personified. It’s the place you go to “make it,” to rub elbows with the best and brightest, and to be at the center of everything. The stories of people flocking to New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are legendary, a rite of passage for the ambitious. For decades, the narrative was about the allure of urban centers, how they were the answer to every professional and personal aspiration.
But lately, something has shifted. A quiet whisper has become a roar, and it’s a new kind of American dream. It involves more space, less stress, and a better balance sheet. Many of the same cities once held up as paragons of success are now struggling to hold onto their residents, with people trading in their tiny apartments for a yard and a two-car garage. As the saying goes, the grass is always greener, and for a growing number of Americans, the green is found in smaller towns and suburbs.
Portland, Oregon
Known for its quirky, laid-back vibe and a strong local culture, Portland has seen its own share of recent struggles. The city has been dealing with issues related to homelessness and crime, which have chipped away at the quality of life for many long-term residents. The “Keep Portland Weird” mantra now feels complicated…