Myths about the Sun Belt—they’re all kind of happy.
You know, people staring at the sun, talking about low taxes, and all that.
In fact, if you haven’t made the move yet, you’re accused of having psychiatric illness.
But a little data leaves you wondering, Are the ones baking actually the crazies?
Myth 1: A good brand equals a good economy.
Most would agree that Phoenix, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Tampa have good brands.
You know what else those metro areas have in common?
As of 2021, they all had a lower GDP per capita than…Buffalo.
Myth 2: A low GDP per capita is balanced by affordable housing.
In 2024, the Demographia International Housing Affordability Report looked at 94 major markets in eight countries in terms of the ratio of median house price to median household income.
Among the seven most affordable metro areas in the world were Pittsburgh, Rochester (NY), St. Louis, Buffalo, and Detroit.
All had a higher GDP per capita (in 2021 dollars) than the less affordable Phoenix, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Tampa.
Myth 3: You’re smart for moving down South.
Eight of the ten least educated US states are in the Sun Belt.
Myth 4: None of these numbers matter because the weather is good.
According to one study, of the ten states most at risk for natural disasters, seven are in the Sun Belt.
Myth 5: The Rust Belt will share its water.
The Sun Belt may have stolen residents and businesses, but it won’t be stealing water.
Have you heard of the Great Lakes Compact? The gist of it is that the eight Great Lakes states have banned the vast majority water diversions beyond the Great Lakes Basin.
In other words, when the Colorado River turns into a little stream, we ain’t sharing.
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