The article talks about how certain cities have become categorized as, "miserable" to live based on the city's economy and financial status. There are nine factors that qualified cities as "miserable." The factors consist of violent crime, unemployment rate, foreclosures, home prices and taxes. Other factors that were considered were weather, commuting times, and quality of life. At the top of the list was Detroit, and Chicago followed as well as New York City. Detroit is a case of particular intrigue as it has been in a state of decline for nearly four decades. The "snowball" effects of the multiple problems that plague this city make it difficult for Detroit to raise the fund necessary to start improving city conditions. The high violent crime rates coupled with high foreclosures are particularly worrying as they continuously erode the cities tax base and give the Detroit government less to work with. One of the most important factors that makes theses cities the most miserable cities to live in is the high unemployment rates in these metropolitan areas.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2013/02/21/detroit-tops-2013-list-of-americas-most-miserable-cities/
Basically, it´s a cycle: increase in violence causes businesses to invest somewhere else, which increases unemployment and forces locals to migrate to another state or turn to crime. Perhaps if there was an increase in spending in police training and crime-preventing from both state and federal government this cycle could possibly be reversed
ReplyDeleteWIth the heart of the American car market in Detroit and the recent rise in American car makers sales, their economy is slowly improving. Once the Detroit economy can reach a stable level, thats when the government can be more effective in implementing more security measures for its city to drive those crime rates down.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to find out about Chicago and New York being on top of this list of America's most miserable cities. Because as far as I know both cities offer many opportunities, world-class culture, leading universities, sports teams galore and high-end restaurants. But the article mentions something I believe is true: it isn’t easy living in either city, particularly if you don’t earn a lot of money (even if you do it can be tough). So that might be why.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to see the economic condition of Detroit now given that earlier on it was flourishing due to being the center of the automobile industry. There have been many criticisms of the US holding on to a weakening car industry and this may be reflected in Detroit's current state. However, I do agree with Mike since the automobile industry started to show signs of recovery and this may possibly contribute to the economic well-being of Detroit.
ReplyDeleteDetroit was once a thriving metropolis where the auto-industry crowned its growing economing which helped lead to its industrial and economic prominence. But, as Rodrigo pointed out everything is cyclical. An increase in violence, causes people to relocate and businesses to invest in different cities. It is a shame. I believe Detroit won't recover until it solves its crime problem. It might be time to call in Rudy Guiliani.
ReplyDeleteDetroit is known as being the center of the car industry, but the car industry such as GM and Chevron have struggled as of late. With Detroit being the leader in the automobile industry and its struggle as of late is factoring in as to why Detroit is considered the "most miserable" city in America. Detroit will bounce back soon with the car market improving, but as of right now Detroit faces high unemployment and violence in what is a very significant city in the United States.
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