Economist Podcasts Relocation, relocation, relocation: America’s internal migration
Dec 22, 2021
Alexandra Sewage Bass, a senior correspondent at The Economist focusing on the dynamics of population shifts, joins David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief with a lens on international affairs. They discuss America's unprecedented internal migration trends, revealing how the pandemic has pushed people from cities to suburbs, reshaping political landscapes. The conversation dives into the growing diversity in these areas and the enduring cultural divides reminiscent of historical narratives, like those of Julius Caesar's conquests.
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Modern American Migration
- Americans are migrating out of large urban centers in a trend reminiscent of the 1950s suburbanization.
- This shift is driven by factors beyond the pandemic, including remote work and the rising costs of city living.
Migration Destinations
- Two migration trends are emerging: movement from expensive city centers to smaller cities and suburbs, and relocation to warmer, low-tax states.
- These trends, amplified by the pandemic, favor areas like Texas, Florida, and the Southwest.
Uneven Growth
- The influx of people into suburban and exurban areas has not led to widespread regeneration as some hoped.
- Instead, areas already experiencing growth are simply growing more, often leading to increased housing costs and pricing out long-term residents.