We're diving into the changing landscape of American cities, where population shifts are reshaping our communities in profound ways. I’m James A. Brown, and I hail from Rochester, New York, a city that has seen a drastic decline since its population peaked in 1950. Today, we’re under 210,000, with a third of our city vanished—and they're not coming back. This trend isn’t just a local issue; it’s happening across the nation. From West Virginia's 15% drop to Texas gaining 8 million people, we’re reshuffling ourselves based on jobs, weather, and affordability. But amidst all these numbers, I find myself pondering what really keeps people rooted in their hometowns and what we lose when they leave. Let’s explore these questions together.
Takeaways:
Rochester, New York's population peaked in 1950, illustrating significant demographic shifts.
Today, Rochester's population has dropped to under 210,000, reflecting a national trend of urban decline.
The population changes across the U.S. indicate a reshuffling as people seek better jobs and affordability.
Texas has gained 8 million people, while West Virginia's population has decreased by 15%, showcasing stark contrasts.
Our choices about where to live often revolve around jobs, weather, and costs of living.
The podcast raises profound questions about why people stay in certain places and what is lost when they leave.
