The End of the Suburbs Where the American Dream is Moving

by Gallagher, Leigh

• ISBN13: 9781591845256
• ISBN10: 1591845254
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-06-27
• Publisher: Portfolio Hardcover

Summary

A Fortunejournalist examines why the suburbs are transforming and losing their appeal-and why that's not a bad thing Over the past few years, the American suburbs have undergone a dramatic shift, with millions of once coveted homes now stamped with foreclosure signs and once-pristine neighborhoods plagued by crime and poverty. According to Leigh Gallagher, this phenomenon isn't merely about the housing bust; it reflects fundamental changes in our society. For example: The nuclear family is declining: Since the Baby Boom, birthrates and marriage rates have shrunk, reducing the demand for big homes in suburbia. The era of "bigger is better" is over: As we become more concerned about the environment we opt for smaller homes and avoid the gas-guzzling nature of suburban sprawl. Our cities are having a renaissance: New research shows that urbanized living actually makes for happier, healthier lifestyles. Blending economic data, analysis, and on-the-ground reporting, Gallagher paints a surprising and fascinating portrait of how the American Dream isn't over; it's simply changing.

Author Biography

Leigh Gallagher is an assistant managing editor at Fortune, where she edits feature stories and oversees key Fortune franchises, including the “40 Under 40” and “Best Companies to Work For.” She is also a frequent public speaker and commentator on national radio and television. Earlier in her career she was a senior editor at SmartMoney and a writer at Forbes.