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Intrametropolitan Spatial Differentiation and Decline of Inner-Ring Suburbs

A Comparison of Four U.S. Metropolitan Areas

Urban Planning, Design, and Development in the College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University

Nancey Green Leigh

Georgia Institute of Technology

This article examines the impact of metropolitan growth patterns on intrametropolitan spatial differentiation and inner-ring suburban decline in the four metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Portland, using longitudinal census data from 1970 to 2000. The findings of this study show that inner-ring suburbs were increasingly vulnerable to socioeconomic decline relative to other metropolitan subareas. In contrast, the outer-ring suburbs continued to thrive, drawing most of the new population and housing development in the context of intrametropolitan spatial differentiation. The downtowns and some parts of the inner city showed a gradual recovery from the pattern of deterioration. By recognizing the interdependence of all the subareas and applying sound, holistic policies, the public policy decision-making entities can ensure the future stability of the inner-ring suburbs as well as all the surrounding areas of a metropolitan region.

Key Words: inner-ring suburbs • suburban decline • spatial differentiation

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