A Reversal to Pre-Industrial Settlement Patterns

It seems that the American metropolis is in fact moving back to pre-industrial settlement patterns. Cases of this settlement pattern returning can be seen in several American cities. For example, in Indianapolis, the downtown area has become increasingly more vibrant in the past several years.

The development of luxury condos and apartments has become more common in the desirable areas of downtown such as Massachusetts Avenue and near Circle Centre. Following the pattern of newer immigrants settling on the periphery, south of the downtown area is where many Latinos have settled and called home. This same pattern can also be seen in my hometown of Fort Wayne. As the downtown area has grown tremendously over the past five years, many developers are taking advantage of the new desire and willingness to pay more to live and play in this part of town. Many Latino immigrants can also be found living on the southern periphery of Fort Wayne. Also worth noting is a large settlement of Burmese families living on the southern edges of Fort Wayne; in fact it is one of the largest communities of Burmese in the United States.

These same patterns are also visible in New Orleans. The Central Business District has seen a great amount of development and wealth, due in large part to the revenue from tourism here. Hotels and other attractions are of major importance in this town and most of those are found in the center of all the action. Of course, condos and apartments are also being developed, with prices much higher than other areas of the city due to the conveniences this area provide, including, food, entertainment, and employment opportunities. New settlements of immigrants on the periphery also seem to be a trend worth mentioning.

So why is this happening? Gentrification and excitement in the downtown areas of the United States brings more wealth to the city. This wealth causes people who are able to afford it to become drawn to the area. This also causes real estate developers to find a market to set higher prices for both residential and commercial property downtown. Due to the great new entertainment and influx of businesses and wealth in the city, the cost of living begins increasing. It includes residential rents, commercial rents, property value, costs of goods and services, and so on. Because of this increase in the cost of living, other residents – as well as new residents, such as immigrants – are no longer able to afford the price to live there. These residents must settle elsewhere, often times on the city’s periphery where rents and house prices are cheaper, while those with wealth can move in, either renovating existing structures or settling in to one of the real estate developers’ latest creations.

Conclusively, there is a definitive case for a shift back to pre-industrial city settlement patterns. It is based around the age of consumption that we currently live in, with the wealthy affording to live near the vibrant downtown areas while immigrants and other residents must move further out to find something more affordable.

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