Across the nation, the realization is taking hold that rising energy prices are less a momentary blip than a change with lasting consequences. The shift to costlier fuel is threatening to slow the decades-old migration away from cities, while exacerbating the housing downturn by diminishing the appeal of larger homes set far from urban jobs…. More than three-fourths of prospective home buyers are now more inclined to live in an urban area because of fuel prices, according to a recent survey of 903 real estate agents with Coldwell Banker, the national brokerage firm.
That trend had yet to hit Peoria.
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/06/16/suburb.city/index.html
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/24/business/exurbs.php
But it will.
I spent $72 filling up the minivan on Monday. That was painful! I keep thinking, well, I could get a little car and cram the kids, my work stuff and the stroller in. I don’t know. There would probably be stuff hanging out the windows if I did that, but it might save me a few bucks.
That’s what we thought Jen.
We ordered the hybrid. Then the dealer informed us of what they would be giving us for our van and we said no thanks.
My wife computed that it would take us roughly 10 years to recoup our hybrid investment, factoring in the trade in price. The van will be paid off in less than 2 years, so we’ll wait and see what’s on the hybrid/electric horizon until then.
Like NewsAnchorMom, I drive a minivan (yeah, I’m 27, married w/ a dog for a kid, and I drive a minivan)… and it KILLS when I even put a 1/2 tank in the big boy. But, it’s a heck of a lot easier to load a lawnmower into a minivan than an Olds Alero. It’s also easier to travel with said dog with a minivan than an Olds Alero. So I feel your pain, Mom. 🙂
I also have a house in an urban neighborhood. I drive my minivan 6 miles one way to work. Actually, I live right in the middle of Peoria, so I’m about 6 miles from everything. Alot of the houses in our neighborhood are 2 bedroom, so I can see why those aren’t selling, but there are 3 bedroom houses that aren’t selling. I love our ‘hood… I’ve (ACCIDENTALLY) left the back door wide open all day and not had anything stolen, left my cars open (ACCIDENTALLY) and never had anything stolen. I have walked my dog after dark and never felt any fear.
Still, I live in the middle of Peoria… which means District 150… and we all know that alot of 150 is in crap shape. 🙂
When I was a boy, I delivered newspapers. Route encompassed Hamilton hill, Knoxville hill, Cresent and Glen Oak. In those days everyone walked home from downtown. Or took the streetcar. A streecar rider’s pass was $1 per week. in the evening, we all sat on the front porch drinking Pepsi and listening to the ball game.
Those were the days.
Of note, Methodist Hospital is trying to modify Hamilton Blvd? much to the “chagrin” of Les Kenyon?
I am going to vote in favor of Methodist, mainly because Les Kenyon has been wrong on every stance he has taken. Like saving the Rialto Theatre.
We live in the middle of town also. Wife works 5 miles north and I work 5 miles to downtown. Love it, don’t put many miles on our cars and don’t spend precious time commuting. We have a nice three bedroom home without a large yard to take care of. Kid goes to 150 and does just fine. Grocery store is 5 minutes away. Know all the neighbors and their dogs as they walk by. Life is Good in the middle of Peoria.
Amen peoriafan. Except for the 3 bedroom part… 🙁 Oh well, life goes on. 🙂
I like living in the City.