White Flight And Suburbanization Gavin Lee Philip Wilson Cha

White Flight Suburbanizationgavin Lee Philip Wilson Chang Liu what

White Flight & Suburbanization Gavin Lee, Philip Wilson, Chang Liu What is White Flight? St. Louis, Mo. City lost more than a quarter of its population within 1970 and 1980. This period saw a dramatic change in the racial makeup of the city, where the white population is falling from 59% to 54%. However, the population of the African-American rose from 41% to 46%. The main reason behind the changes in population was the fact that both the white and the black residents moved out of the city. However, the white residents moved out faster than black residents. This movement of the white individuals during the 1970s was termed as the white flight, which is a description of the white people leaving the inner city, neighborhoods, and suburbs as the black people began moving in.

Suburbanization in Chicago played a significant role in the demographic shifts observed during the mid-20th century. Several factors contributed to the growth of suburbs in the 1950s, including increased living standards that outpaced inflation, the availability of low-cost mortgages, and improvements in transportation infrastructure such as automobiles, which made commuting feasible. Additionally, a shortage of urban housing prompted residents to relocate outside city centers in search of more comfortable living conditions.

The phenomenon of suburbanization was primarily driven by white residents during the 1950s. The rise of automobile ownership and the development of inexpensive housing reduced the necessity of living near city centers or public transit lines. This exodus was facilitated by innovations in home construction that lowered the cost of building and purchasing homes, making suburban living accessible to many white families. Chicago’s suburbs, such as Belmont Cragin and Austin, exemplify patterns of growth and demographic change influenced by suburbanization and white flight.

Belmont Cragin

Located in the northwest region of Chicago and designated as Community Area 19, Belmont Cragin has a population of approximately 79,159 residents. The community’s development is rooted in industry and commerce, with an infrastructure historically supported by the presence of railroads that attracted workers and industrial activities. Early development milestones include the extension of Belt Railway Company services in 1883, which facilitated industrial growth. By 1891, significant companies such as Kerr & Company Iron Works and Westinghouse established operations in the area, attracting more residents.

In 1940, the construction of Belmont-Central introduced commercial establishments, a children’s playground, and parking facilities. However, by 1980, the community experienced economic decline, marked by a decrease in manufacturing employment and retail activity, reflecting broader economic shifts affecting many industrial communities. The neighborhood’s evolution highlights the impact of industrialization and subsequent deindustrialization on suburban development and demographic change.

Austin Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

The Austin neighborhood, located on Chicago’s West Side, is one of its seventy-seven designated community areas. Its historical development began in 1835 when Henry DeKoven purchased the land, and by 1857, the area was formally established as the Town of Cicero. Henry Austin’s acquisition of DeKoven’s land in 1865 and subsequent town planning laid the groundwork for suburban growth. The area developed its suburban identity with the creation of a town hall in Austin as early as 1870.

Austin experienced significant demographic shifts post-World War II. Initially, African Americans began migrating into surrounding neighborhoods, and by 1965, they started inhabiting Austin itself. The black population increased notably from approximately 32% in 1970 to 73% by 1980, illustrating the effects of white flight and the migration of Black residents into historically white areas. Despite these demographic changes, development has continued into the 21st century, with efforts to repurpose vacant spaces such as the Galewood rail yard into an industrial park and new residential and commercial projects.

The history of Austin exemplifies urban and suburban dynamics in Chicago, where migration patterns, economic shifts, and development projects have continuously reshaped community character and composition. The neighborhood’s evolution underscores the complex interplay between race, economics, and urban planning in shaping American cities.

Conclusion

The phenomena of white flight and suburbanization have profoundly impacted American urban landscapes, particularly in cities like Chicago and St. Louis. These movements were driven by economic opportunities, improvements in transportation, and changing social attitudes toward race and housing. While white residents migrated to suburbs seeking affordable and comfortable living conditions, Black residents often moved into areas vacated by white families, leading to significant demographic shifts and racial segregation in urban settings.

Understanding these historical patterns is essential for contemporary urban planning and policy-making, aiming to address inequalities and promote more integrated and equitable communities. The cases of Belmont Cragin and Austin exemplify how suburbanization and demographic shifts intertwine, influenced by economic, infrastructural, and social forces that continue to shape the American urban experience today.

References

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