[caseinpoint]

We are likely to see a real change in modern cities and their roles in our lives. Brick and mortar retail was on its last legs anyway and now have little incentive to maintain expensive, vulnerable stores in the downtown urban cities rather than relying on on-line sales. Now, with coronovirus issues, even professional and corporate offices are finding out people can work from home and are questioning a need to have a “prestigious” office downtown that can be shut down at political whims or looted without defense. Fewer offices and stores mean fewer eateries, bars and entertainment venues. Meanwhile traditional city magnets such as museums, theaters, symphonies and professional athletic events have turned off a large proportion of their patrons due to out of control political correctness. I just wonder if places like Chicago, Baltimore, Portland, Seattle, New York City and Milwaukee can truly come back after this. Why should those chased or burned out want to come back?

[RushingWater]

We are likely to see a real change in modern cities and their roles in our lives.

And now business travel is little to none - that's devastating to the downtown. And, it brought a lot of money into lower economic areas in the city, now gone. So now these people are feeling more disgruntled and you have an imploding effect.

[neverevergiveup]

I think you are absolutely correct. I've always felt that popping large bucks for a tiny apartment in Manhattan, or Chicago etc. was very risk - given that the true worth of these properties is markedly less. They only have value if people want to live there, and/or if people work there. If all of that changes substantially, those properties will drop in value precipitously - just like in midwestern and east coast town that lost their manufacturing base.