It’s the age and condition of the houses and buildings.
1st ring suburbs are now pretty old and are falling apart.
3rd ring suburbs still have new developments being built and are rather expensive.
Inner city areas that have been torn down and replaced or have been totally remodeled are also pretty expensive.
1st ring suburbs in many cities are very pricey. While the houses are older, they were better built, so they can withstand more neglect than houses built, say, after 1975.
Also they are closer to the center of town so easier commute for those who work there.
1st ring suburbs in places like LA, Seattle, Washington DC, and countless others are high priced now, even for fixer uppers.
The “first ring” suburbs around Boston are getting pricier,not falling apart.
Examples-—Brookline,Newton,and Cambridge.
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