In reviewing the vote in the northeast and on the left coast, it’s clear the big blue population centers control the outcome. That’s nothing new. Just look at the state of New York, for example. It’s a sea of red overwhelmed by blue blob cities. I don’t see this lasting forever.
Look around Newport, RI, for example, and you see cars with NY license plates everywhere. You also see ones from MA (Boston) as families are moving in. Why? Because COVID is the catalyst pushing families out of the cities.
Families are no longer interested in the amenities of city life when the safety of their family is in question, period. Families are spreading out looking for a backyard for their kids to play in and the security a home provides. The ones left will be those that can’t leave (even though they may want to) and the wealthy that can guarantee their personal safety.
Even before COVID, contrary to the belief that young families wanted city life forever, the reverse was happening. They were moving out to the burbs. That trend is happening in hyper-speed now. You can’t buy a house in Newport today unless you’re ready right now to make an offer at the asking price often the day of the listing—they’re going that fast.
Families are looking for towns that work. Families will do what’s best for their kids. They will get involved, and they’ll speak up—they’ll have a voice in a smaller town, unlike when they were just a number in the big city.
I view this as a positive trend worth watching. Big city government is losing its grip. Residents are melting away to warmer climes that are safer for their families and allow them to do business. I believe local governments will be better for this. Remember, no one speaks up more for what’s right for their child than a loving parent. That’s a good thing for any town, no matter its size.
