Hi Miriam and all,
Not only is there a widening gap between cities, there is also a widening
gap among residents of even the most prosperous metro areas. The evil
specter of gentrification causes more and more luxury housing and other
amenities to price less affluent residents out of an area. For example, here
in Waltham, (seven miles due west of Boston) many who work here cannot
afford to live here. Many tend to live either farther west where housing is
less expensive or in the poorer urban areas of Boston and Somerville..
I am very fortunate to be able to live in a decent apartment close to the
center of town. I've lived in the same spot for 35 years and pay a rent that
is considerably less than what the market would bear.
Bob Hachey