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Of the "moving to states" Texas is just 45% White/Non-Hispanic, Arizona is at 54% and Florida is 55% all of which are dwindling. That doesn't add up as a reason it would seem...
States could be both drawing white residents via domestic migration, and seeing a rapid minority population increase as a result of migration and natural increase differentials (i.e. more of an excess of births over deaths among nonwhites). In the 21st century, many people of all races are moving towards the same places but some states have a more homogeneous population than others due to historic reasons. The concept of "white flight" at a state level is less relevant than it used to be because diversity is increasing across the nation.
Wow those maps really highlight the plight of the rust belt. It is a wonder these places have any people left today. Erie county (Buffalo) lost 150,000 domestic migrants in the 70s, Cuyahoga (Cleveland) lost 320k, amd Wayne (Detroit) lost a whopping 586k!!!! Crazy to see just how much of a diaspora it is.
Wow those maps really highlight the plight of the rust belt. It is a wonder these places have any people left today. Erie county (Buffalo) lost 150,000 domestic migrants in the 70s, Cuyahoga (Cleveland) lost 320k, amd Wayne (Detroit) lost a whopping 586k!!!! Crazy to see just how much of a diaspora it is.
Any people left? All the states in the rust belt basically have the most people they've ever had before. Michigan lost during the past decade but gained it back. Illinois lost a small amount the past few years but is essentially at its peak. Everywhere else is growing and at peak.
Wayne County with Detroit has lost 912,681 people since it peaked in 1960. The adjacent counties though have grown by 1,489,516 people during that time.
Wow those maps really highlight the plight of the rust belt. It is a wonder these places have any people left today. Erie county (Buffalo) lost 150,000 domestic migrants in the 70s, Cuyahoga (Cleveland) lost 320k, amd Wayne (Detroit) lost a whopping 586k!!!! Crazy to see just how much of a diaspora it is.
In the 1970s, most of them were likely moving to the next county out, not out of the metro entirely.
As the college educated flock to these progressive El Dorados, many factors are cited as reasons: transit systems, density, bike lanes, walkable communities, robust art and cultural scenes. But another way to look at it is simply as White Flight writ large. Why move to the suburbs of your stodgy Midwest city to escape African Americans and get criticized for it when you can move to Portland and actually be praised as progressive, urban and hip? Many of the policies of Portland are not that dissimilar from those of upscale suburbs in their effects. Urban growth boundaries and other mechanisms raise land prices and render housing less affordable exactly the same as large lot zoning and building codes that mandate brick and other expensive materials do. They both contribute to reducing housing affordability for historically disadvantaged communities. Just like the most exclusive suburbs.
With that, I do think there are some possible white flight state/metros:
Colorado
Oregon
South Carolina (the coast)
Tennessee (Greater Nashville)
Texas (only Austin)
North Carolina (Asheville, maybe Raleigh)
Just addressing the Carolinas only - people moving to coastal SC and Asheville tend to be retirees rather than young families. The older age cohorts tend to be less diverse than young adults and children, so that explains partially why they are not such prominent destinations for minorities.
I don't think Raleigh is a good example as it is a very diverse area, especially when accounting for neighboring Durham. The rate of Asian and Hispanic growth has been among the highest in the nation, and the Black population growth has tracked with the overall population gains. The area would not be a good choice for people wanting to get away from diversity, even if it isn't quite a Miami or Los Angeles.
Although not as homogeneous as it used to be, Idaho would be a good example in the Western states. The Springfield, MO area would also be a contender, where growth is above average but there is little diversity.
Location: Appalachian New York, Formerly Louisiana
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What does race even really have to do with it? "White flight" was something that occurred when whites left cities in the north that were home to a growing black population. It was during a time of greater actual racial unrest (not the made up gimme gimme kind we have now) than today and was generations ago.
If a bunch of people moving are white in a country that is mostly white why is that automatically a racial thing?
Race is a Red Herring in this discussion. Even the concept of White Flight is seriously flawed. Certainly there was some White Flight but those that fled were probably employed and would just take advantage of the new freeway and highway system to commute to the same job in the same city. Not a different state. At about the same time there was a huge residential building boom in the suburbs to meet the demands of returning soldiers who were starting families and living in crowded quarters with parents and siblings. People move across state lines for all sorts of reasons but White Flight would not be an important reason.
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