When you think of cities you might like to get out of, which ones come to mind? New Orleans, still suffering from hurricane damage? Sure. Detroit, where the floundering auto industry is creating unrest? Of course. But Chicago? We know the CTA has some huge issues, that the job market isn’t the greatest, and that our sweltering summers and frigid winters can create feelings of ill will, but surely it’s a worthwhile place to reside, right?
Not entirely so, according to Census estimates released yesterday. According to the new data, Cook County has experienced the third-largest decline in population in the entire country, falling just behind counties surrounding the aforementioned cities.
Since 2000, the Census Bureau estimates that a whopping 88,000 residents said “adios” to the county limits. Despite the Cook County declines, on the whole the greater metropolitan area has actually fared quite well, experiencing dramatic population growth in outlying areas, especially those counties encompassing the outer edge of the ’burbs.
Like falling dominos, residents of the city are moving to the suburbs, just as near-suburban residents decide to move even further away from the central core. For instance, Kendall County, about 40 miles southwest of the city, has experienced a population increase of 61.7 percent, making it the second-fastest growing county in the nation. However, the growth in the outlying areas isn’t just Cook County and near-suburban counties looking to move further out; rather, people from across the country are setting up house in the far suburbs and exurbs.
The Tribune cites cheaper housing and job growth in the more distant suburbs as the top factors that attract new residents, features that are understandable given the city’s problems in both areas.
Given our crowded public transportation options, our original reaction was a big “hooray!” Fewer people on buses and trains certainly makes us happy. But obviously, people leaving an urban area is of concern, for both social and economic reasons. Kermit Wies of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning also notes that in the future, providing water and “efficient transportation options” for those in the far suburbs will be a concern. With Metra and Amtrak trains packed and perpetually in need of funds, and long construction delays a regular occurrence on major highways, expanding the suburbs will soon be more difficult than simply building another cookie-cutter house.
Image from p2wy.
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It makes sense to me. The collar suburbs are really in a mess for the most part. Their expensive and many are just kind of rotting from the inside. Save a few exceptions(the northshore, oakpark/brook and some southwest suburbs) I think the quality of life is really going into the toilet. The far suburbs have new schools, large houses and and extremely low cost of living.
As for Chicago, less families live here and more singles/empty nesters. A lot of my friends have moved to new york but that's just a personal observation.
I think the only way to fix this stuff is to cut taxes, improve transit, fix schools and reduce crime. Though under Daley I just don't see that happening without a miracle and that miracle just might be the Olympics.
"Sweltering summers?" Please. I grew up in Arkansas, where the regular summer high was around 90 with 75% humidity, and found quite the respite in Chicago. Now I'm in New York, and I dread the coming August. Chicagoist, I am officially not allowing you to talk about how hot it gets there.
It wouldn't shock me if the three track system caused a mass exodus on the northside, from both red line and brown line riders who realize that living in the suburbs and riding Metra would actually be cheaper, easier and quicker.
I wouldn't say there would be much of a change if it was a one year thing, but realistically, it's going to be that way for 3 years easy.
I hate the suburbs. Why anyone would want to live in a soul-eating, "nuclear family"-friendly wasteland is beyond me!
i'm amazed by the endless, constant bashing of the cta on this website by both authors and readers. i understand it's not perfect but it's inexpensive and gets people where they need to be for the most part. people even seem to complain on here when the cta is making improvements.
I moved here last summer. I'm out of here at the end of this summer because... Gas prices are too high to drive. CTA commute times are too inconsistent and have literally affected my job performance and earnings. I have to drive far to purchase low-priced household and food items. I can't dine out without having to burn a hole in my pocket. My rent is way too high for the amount of space that I have. Smokers are marginalized. And yes, the job market has been a huge disappointment. Smaller cities are looking better and better.
I hate the suburbs. Why anyone would want to live in a soul-eating, "nuclear family"-friendly wasteland is beyond me!
Maybe because their landlord sold their apartment building so that it could be torn down to make lofts for newcomers to the neighborhood. Those people gotta go somewhere you know.