The Decline of Older, Inner Suburbs: A New Reality in the U.S.

This dissertation examines decline among older, inner suburbs compared to newer suburbs located in 100 highly populated metropolitan areas across different regions of the US. Older, inner suburbs are, by definition, close to the central city. Newer suburbs are, in contrast, typically located in the outer reaches of the metropolitan area. The results of this study demonstrate a general pattern of decline in select older, inner suburbs, especially those with housing built between 1950 and 1969, and especially among suburbs with increasing minority populations and declining manufacturing employment. Suburbs with old housing built prior to 1939 emerge as areas of continuing affluence. This demonstrates the existence of older, elite suburbs. Regional analysis reveals that the South and Midwest have the highest proportions of older, inner suburbs in-crisis. Metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Buffalo, Detriot, Miami, New Orleans, St. Louis and Washington DC stand out as areas where the extent of decline among older, inner suburbs is most extreme. This study illustrates that decline among older, inner suburbs is a nationwide problem not confined to specific metropolitan areas or regions of the U.S. Yet, there is currently no national policy to curb suburban decline. At the state level, initiatives to manage suburban growth indirectly impact older suburbs. These initiatives typically offer incentives to local suburban jurisdictions to encourage the reuse of existing infrastructure in older communities. However, these programs are insufficient to truly curb the decline of older suburban communities. Regional coalitions have evolved to combat decline and they offer some promise to struggling communities. Their main contribution is as a lobbying group that can advocate for additional state and federal funding. Local suburban governments alone cannot solve the problem of decline in their communities. Federal and state level involvement is greatly needed. Two areas to focus on are growth management and affordable suburban housing. On a state level, it is important to manage suburban growth to alleviate decline among older, inner suburbs. Also, in some instances, postwar suburbs are the most affordable. This can led to a concentration of poorer households in these areas, something that must be avoided if we are to truly address decline in these areas. Providing affordable housing throughout the metropolitan area will help tackle this dilemma