Philadelphia growing faster than its suburbs! (Yeadon, Darby: apartment, neighborhoods, private schools)

[Duderino]

I think even the biggest naysayers have begrudgingly accepted that Philadelphia is growing again. Now, there is evidence that the city is not only growing again; it is now outpacing its suburbs in growth. I can't imagine this has ever been the case before in the history of our area:

Which Cities Are Growing Faster Than Their Suburbs? - Real Time Economics - WSJ

In fact, the metro area ranks 10th among 51 top metro areas of the disparity of growth rate between city and suburbs.

This really bodes well for the future of our metro core.

[frankgn87]

Thats only because of the ghetto rats procreating at a faster rate.

[Marius Pontmercy]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Thats only because of the ghetto rats procreating at a faster rate.

Not necessarily Frank. Go and look at demographic movements in the city. Those ghetto rats aren't concentrated in the ghetto anymore. They're moving out into the surrounding neighborhoods and inner ring suburbs. There are tracts in the heart of the ghetto that are now something like 90% unoccupied. North Philly is probably less than half full. All those people went somewhere. The traditional "ghetto" neighborhoods keep losing population and eventually they'll move themselves out of the city. Economically they can't afford to move back towards the core because as those areas become desirable again they become affordable only to upper and middle income families. Basically, it requires a steady job to move back into the growing areas of the city's core.

Now if we look at the census data again we can identify the groups contributing to the growth. Most of that is coming from new immigrants from Central and South America and from overseas. The city's latino and asian populations are growing quickly. These are replacing many of the older working class residents who are moving out or dying off. In the downtown areas around the city's core and now stretching out through South Philly, West Philly, and parts of the North Philly river wards we're also seeing an increase in upper and middle class "suburban immigrants". Generally college grads or young families opting to stay in the city.

[frankgn87]

Marius, when I say Ghetto rats I am talking a way of life, not a geographical location. The city hold most of these type people and that is where the grown emulates from. Ghetto rats are ones who do not work and sap off the system, and the non ghetto rats are the hard workers, tax payers who pay for the kids that the other half are having. And since we are involved with all people from Philly in our careers, this comes from what actually see, sad to say..

[tjr19136]

[quote=Marius Pontmercy;24941565]Not necessarily Frank. Go and look at demographic movements in the city. Those ghetto rats aren't concentrated in the ghetto anymore. They're moving out into the surrounding neighborhoods and inner ring suburbs. There are tracts in the heart of the ghetto that are now something like 90% unoccupied. North Philly is probably less than half full. All those people went somewhere. The traditional "ghetto" neighborhoods keep losing population and eventually they'll move themselves out of the city. Economically they can't afford to move back towards the core because as those areas become desirable again they become affordable only to upper and middle income families. Basically, it requires a steady job to move back into the growing areas of the city's core.

Now if we look at the census data again we can identify the groups contributing to the growth. Most of that is coming from new immigrants from Central and South America and from overseas. The city's latino and asian populations are growing quickly. These are replacing many of the older working class residents who are moving out or dying off. In the downtown areas around the city's core and now stretching out through South Philly, West Philly, and parts of the North Philly river wards we're also seeing an increase in upper and middle class "suburban immigrants". Generally college grads or young families opting to stay in the city.[/qoute]

After reading frank statement do you really think he can articulate your reply? “GENTICFICATION”, isn’t that the most profound topic today regarding all most large cities in America today. There is nothing worse than being arrogant and not smart at the same time.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Marius, when I say Ghetto rats I am talking a way of life, not a geographical location. The city hold most of these type people and that is where the grown emulates from. Ghetto rats are ones who do not work and sap off the system, and the non ghetto rats are the hard workers, tax payers who pay for the kids that the other half are having. And since we are involved with all people from Philly in our careers, this comes from what actually see, sad to say..

Not sure how you're refuting Marius' point. He explained how, based on demographics and income trends, much of the city's growth can be attributed to hard-working, upwardly-mobile people.

At any rate, you seem to be missing the point. Population growth, in and of itself, is a massive positive trend for Philadelphia's continued economic resurgence and stabilization.

[Marius Pontmercy]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Marius, when I say Ghetto rats I am talking a way of life, not a geographical location. The city hold most of these type people and that is where the grown emulates from. Ghetto rats are ones who do not work and sap off the system, and the non ghetto rats are the hard workers, tax payers who pay for the kids that the other half are having. And since we are involved with all people from Philly in our careers, this comes from what actually see, sad to say..

I was talking about people, not locations. But those "people" aren't just living in Strawberry Mansion anymore. They're moving out and into all the surrounding areas. Have a look at Olney, Oak Lane, Frankford, Yeadon, Darby, Eastwick, Landsdowne, Upper Darby and places like that. The groups where the growth is coming from are not your problem ghetto residents. They're mainly immigrants and well educated young adults. That said, the city is not doing a good job retaining older middle and working class residents.

[FindingZen]

There's an article on the subject from right here in Philadelphia. According to the article, the common thread in the cities' growth is not people on the dole angling for child subsidies but rather younger professionals who want to enjoy the vibrancy of an urban area, enjoy lower-maintenance apartment living and park/ditch their cars.

Now when said people decide to get married and have children, whether they will be advocates of their neighborhood schools, defer to charter/private schools or head out of town is another story. The author seems to think those kinds of decisions are being delayed due to the current economy.

[maf763]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Thats only because of the ghetto rats procreating at a faster rate.

So for the past five decades when the city's population was declining, there were no people in ghettos? Or have they only recently discovered sex?

btw, the laundromat called - your order is ready. (talking in code is fun!)

[soug]

Great news! The changes I am starting to see in the city, sometimes even on a day by day basis, are startling, in a good way.