[Mikey_1962]

Detroit's population peaked in 1948, and has been declining ever since.

Housing costs were the first reason for leaving. Then the lack of services, high taxation and the riots, accelerated the decline.

[Gritty]

Housing costs were the first reason for leaving. Then the lack of services, high taxation and the riots, accelerated the decline.

Well, they certainly have eliminated "housing costs" as one of the reasons.

I can think of a few more:

1. Racism and racial politics

2. Unions

3. Total degeneration of the culture

Feel free to add your own additions.

[Hot Tabasco]

Housing costs were the first reason for leaving.

Actually it wasn't Mikey..........The exodus to the upscale suburbs such as Roseville, Sterling Heights and the higher cost houses in New Baltimore, Macomb Twp., Washington Twp.......etc......was the result of the higher incomes provided by auto companies.

Most of those residents got their start working for the autos while living in the original small frame houses in Detroit and Hamtramck. As their incomes improved, they naturally could afford bigger and better homes and thus the expected exodus..........

Those who remain are the elderly whose homes are virtually worthless and can't afford to sell in order to move out of the city and the others are deadbeat renters who are at the mercy of their equally deadbeat slumlords...........