Broback's Blog

Just read an intriguing quote from Richard Morrill, a Seattle demographer and University of Washington geography professor emeritus. Because there is a generation who thinks this kind of stuff matters beyond all else — I encourage all to refer to his impressive academic credentials. Morrill has had stints at several “smart” organizations including Dartmouth, the Guggenheim, the University of Glasgow, the American Council of Learned Societies, and many other admirable institutions.

The Seattle Times piece Seattle’s households far from average, contains a quote from Morrill that jumped out at me, and I’d argue flies in the face of the common, judgmental anti-suburb mindset. You know — the one that says we all should move into ant-farms. Here’s what Morrill had to say (emphasis mine):

Increasingly across the city, town homes and condos have replaced single-family homes and, “we are seeing fewer and fewer housing (units) suitable for families with children,” he said.

Gee, that market segment consisting of families with children not only overwhelmingly desire single family homes, but it’s also the “suitable” choice according to the smart set? Who woulda thought?