Tulsans have been living the so called American Dream for the past 50-60 years. Consumers have dictated a low density suburban lifestyle becoming more and more dependent on the automobile. Is this American Dream changing?
The problems are becoming more clear as developments continue to rise further away from downtown. We drive to work, we drive to the grocery store, and we drive to the gym. Effects of sub-urbanism have begun to take their toll on our health and environment, with driving being linked to an increased rate of obesity and higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Chris Leinberger, author and authority on this subject, the problem with sub-urbanism comes down to MORE=LESS. As we build more sub-urban homes the quality of life goes down. People move further away necessitating driving longer distances with more cars on the road, making this lifestyle less convenient, efficient and desirable. But the pendulum can swing.
With pent up demand from Gen X-ers for what they consider a safe, hip, walkable urban lifestyle we can shift the tide. And the best part is with Walkable Urbanism MORE=BETTER. In contrast to sub-urbanism, the more people that join this movement the better these areas become. As more people move into walkable areas more restaurants and entertainment open and the area becomes even more attractive and desirable, amplifying the effort.
The tide is turning for Tulsa. Brookside, Cherry Street and downtown are drawing the younger generations in with the convenience of everything in one place. With revitalization of these areas underway it is apparent there is a healthy and growing demand.
Cost of housing in these areas already exceeds the city average but appreciation is not over according to national estimations. Chris Leinberger, author of The Option of Urbanism, and authority on the subject says walkable areas command between 40%-200% higher prices than suburban properties (based on $/sq. ft.) nationally.
Tulsa is currently subsidizing housing projects all over the city. We need focus our efforts and invest in the future, urban renewal. Stop social engineering and let the market choose. If we look to more progressive cities and learn from example we will see that the trend is arriving and we just have to embrace it.
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