“Highways and trucks changed that. Cities have been deteriorating since the latter half of the 20th Century.”
Yes. However, cities represent a huge “sunk cost.” They could have continued to be wonderfully useful, much like continuing to drive an old truck when there are better models available. But along comes politicians who stay in power by taxing companies and wage earners and giving that money to their private political interests. This creates incentive to vote with your feet. I’d say the ridiculous Covid lockdowns were the final and unnecessary nail in the coffin. It’s amazing no one in power thought this through and game-theory played it forward. Thus, here we are...”Escape From New York” has gone from being a cheesy movie to an actual plan. And California is planning on taxing people who leave. You can’t make this stuff up.
“I’d say the ridiculous Covid lockdowns were the final and unnecessary nail in the coffin. “
Yep. Young office workers loved the city because of all the restaurants, bars, and night spots. Covid shut all that down and eliminated their reason for wanting to be in the city.