Ritual de lo Habitual

Around my local city neighborhood there is a ritual that sometimes plays out on the soccer fields, the cub scout meetings, and among the minivan pickup brigade. It's when two Moms compare notes on why they still live in the city instead of the suburbs. It's like two insects in the rainforests tapping each other with their antennae.

This is what gets affirmed: We live in the city because of the culture of people and institutions, the diversity of experiences for our kids, the fact that it's the real world. We like being able to walk down the street for a cup of coffee.

Still, demographic trends in Cincinnati are towards the outlying areas. You get more for your money, and there's simply less crime. People without kids, people who aren't considering home ownership, young people who are responsible only for themselves and a car payment -- they have a hard time understanding why this is a difficult choice.

But fathoming the psychology is very important -- not only for the civic-minded urban planners, but also for people who want to see the Democrats return to political relevance.

Related post and discussion on Cincinnati Blog.