Trends in decayed urban areas. (buildings, build)

[pheaton]

So here are somethings I've noticed when browsing some rough urban areas. The strips of connected buildings follow a similar pattern, does anyone know why this is? Is it just what thrives in these areas?

Just about every corner has a "grocery" store of some kind. Beer, smokes, lottery, etc.

Second, you will usually notice some kind of church. Does anyone know why these churches are so popular in these ran down connected buildings?

Next, will be some kind of salon, or beauty supply shop.

Possibly a liquor store if the corner store doesn't have much selection.

Here is an example of the store, beauty shop, and strip church all next to each other. 3820 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL

This seems to repeat over and over, not in just Chicago, but all big city troubled urban areas.

Any thoughts?

[JR_C]

These areas have a high percentage of people living in poverty, and it's less likely that they have a car. So, there is a need for grocery and service places like salons that people can walk to. Small churches like these locations becasue rents are cheap, and the new/small congregation can afford it - and they can walk there, too. (the cheap rent is also why other misc. businesses that don't care about location will locate there) The poorer quality grocery stores and liquor stores are often more predatory, and are just there to profit off the misery of the people living there.