Detroit's not the only city to be decimated by the loss of the auto industry

[bull]

A look at Flint would seem to suggest that Armageddon came early.

http://independentfilmnewsandmedia.com/this-is-americas-most-apocalyptic-violent-city-and-youve-probably-never-heard-of-it/

http://www.businessinsider.com/most-dangerous-cities-in-america-2013-6#1-flint-mich-25

[ITSA426]

Roger and Me seemed pretty intense at the time.  I can't imagine how tough it would be growing up in a city where there doesn't seem to be an opportunity for things to get better or to get out.  Too bad because the industry is such a part of American history.

[bull]

The good news is you could probably get 100 acres for about $100,000 and start a farm after razing a bunch of houses.

[Troy]

The good news is you could probably get 100 acres for about $100,000 and start a farm after razing a bunch of houses.

You guys on the coasts are funny. I've looked at a lot of land for $200-400 and acre and that doesn't require removal of buildings/houses, has cheaper taxes, and doesn't have wars being fought nearby.

There were whole neighborhoods of homes being sold in Detroit for under $1,000 each with no interest. The sticking point was that you couldn't knock them down and build bigger (or make a farm). I guess no one wanted to actually live in them.

Not to mention, as long as you're in the city limits you're stuck with the city government.

Troy

[chargerboy69]

Flint has been in rough shape for years.  Like its neighbor, Detroit, it has been run by corrupt government after corrupt government running the city into what resembles a third world country.  I drive through both cities at least twice a month for my work, I never leave home without my 1911 and two full magazines.

[hatersaurusrex]

Last time I checked they had a pretty good minor league basketball team

[Ghoste]

The other problem in these towns is the lunch bucket culture has it so ingrained that there is nothing but factory work, the factories die and they waste years waiting for a good factory job to come back.  Then it becomes a coin toss to see whether future generations will break that mindset and start to create something new or go the route of countless others like Flint or Gary and sink into a ghetto zone.

[Mike DC]

The town existed because there were good jobs to be had.  Now there aren't.  Its time for people to leave.  Not much more to say. 

[polywideblock]

I'm surprised someone hasn't started buying blocks at a time and building "gated" communities like in south Africa ,lovely old houses, nice neighbourhoods, patrolled, well lit, CCTV on every corner  . the work from home using the computer mob would love it    seems such a waste of those lovely old homes

[Ghoste]

Because its just what I said, either the lunch bucket mentality changes and they adapt to create new forms of income and employment or they sink into ghetto hood because they can't accept the easy times are gone.  There are some examples of industrial areas embracing something new and the old properties are rejuvenated.

[polywideblock]

they could learn from my home town referred to as "steel city" had BHP steel works since 1911  whole economy revolved around it ,employed  half the city (my old man 47 years )  closed its doors in 1999 . much gnashing of teeth etc.  .now we are a tourist mecha( as well as being the largest coal export port  in the world ) .you just have to move on