Big trends—a geographic shift back to the suburban and exurban areas and a "silver tsunami"—are apparent in population figures for two Florida locations.
Patrick Sisson provides analysis of the 2018 populations estimates released but the U.S. Census Bureau earlier this week and produces a perhaps surprising angle: Florida is the model for the country's real estate trends.
After noting the usual suspects of fast growing cities in Texas, Idaho, and Utah, Sisson finds two informative case studies in Florida as snapshots of U.S. demographic and development trends.
The first, Lakeland-Winter Haven, a more remote, exurban, and rural area of former citrus groves between Tampa and Orlando, represents a geographic shift. Despite urban growth, especially in mid-tier cities, suburban and even exurban growth has bounced back since the Great Recession.
Second is a planned community called The Villages.
Arguably the country’s most successful and influential planned community, The Villages is a rapidly expanding senior living center that is already as large geographically as the island of Manhattan, with plans to expand after buying 8,300 more acres earlier this month. It’s indicative of the “silver tsunami” soon to sweep the country, and its housing market.
Sisson digs into each of these examples in much greater detail about each of the specific locations, while connecting to larger points about the Central Florida region, buoyed by Tampa and Orlando.
FULL STORY: Central Florida’s boom shows true picture of U.S. real estate trends
The 15 Fastest-Growing Cities in the US
The U.S. Census Bureau released new 2023 population estimates on May 16 showing a slew of data for cities of all sizes and regions. Do you know the population change last year for the 15 largest cities in your state?
Census: 'Race-Ethnic Minorities' Responsible for U.S. Growth in the 2010s
The U.S. Census Bureau dropped a whole bunch of population estimates at the end of June, revealing details about the rapid demographic evolution of the country.
The 2010s Didn't Live Up to Potential as the 'Decade of the City'
The renaissance predicted for urban areas in the United States started strong during the 2010s but slowed in the years leading up to a potentially generation defining pandemic.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service