Picket Fence Out, Elevator In

Young urban professionals, married couples, and boomers alike are going urban, according to market research that revealed a 40 percent increase in suburban dwellers' desire to move to downtown and centrally-focused areas. Walking to work, stores, and the movie theater has become a key factor in housing choices in the new American Dream, the survey demonstrated.

We've all heard about the gas prices and their impact on commuter's finances, but there is more to the story here. Demographics are changing as well, as fewer households are comprised of traditional nuclear families. Lifestyle trends show that by the end of the coming decade, there will be nearly an equal number of single-person households to those with children. Add in the baby boomers with their downsizing and on-the-go habits and their will be a significantly-increased demand for living space in more densely-populated areas. Can it be that today's McMansions are tomorrow's multiple-family dwellings? Highly unlikely, but something interesting to ponder.