Americans Like Smart Growth, In Theory at Least

The National Association of Realtors has released a new survey concluding that while smart growth is an expanding trend, people tend to want to live where they already live. When forced to chose between a hypothetical smart community and a hypothetical sprawling community, 47 percent indicated a preference for the smart community. A rural area was preferred by 40 percent, while only 12 percent were in favor of a suburban community with only residential components. Those who preferred smart growth, walkable communities included young unmarried people, Democrats, liberals, those who currently live in urban areas or mixed suburban areas, and people at either end of the socio-economic scale. Though who were more drawn to sprawling subdivision-type communities included middle-aged married couples, Republicans, conservatives, those currently living in housing-only suburbs or rural areas, and those in the middle of the socio-economic scale. | Read More