Cities with high levels of homeownership—in the range of 75%, like Detroit and St. Louis—had on average considerably lower levels of economic activity and much lower wages and incomes. Far too many people in financial problems are trapped in homes they can’t sell, unable to move on to new centers of opportunity.
The cities and regions with the lowest levels of homeownership—in the range of 55% to 60% like Los Angeles and New York—had healthier economies and higher incomes. They also had higher levels of happiness and well-being.
I was shocked to read these interesting points that Richard Florida made in his recent article. Let me try to understand. The people in Detroit and St. Louis are less happy than the people in New York, and Los Angeles. And, the reason is because of homeownership rates?
First, to compare them to New York City (the economic capital of the world), Los Angeles (the entertainment capital of the world) seems unfair. Most people in almost any other city in the world might be less happy!
Next, let’s try a different way of determining whether renters are happier than homeowners. Why don’t we ask them? Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey 2010 reported:
l 75% of current renters believe owning a home makes more sense.
l 67% plan to buy a home at some point in the future.
When they asked current renters for the major reason to buy a house, these were their answers (they could pick several answers):
l 78% said it was a good place to raise children.
l 75% said because they would feel safe.
l 70% said because you have control of your own space.
If you believe renters are happier, you would also have to believe the majority enjoy living in a less safe environment, which wouldn’t be a good place to raise children and would be a place where they have less control of their space.
63. Which of the following is a fact?
A. People in Los Angeles earn high incomes because of its low homeownership rate.
B. New York’s low homeownership rate increases people’s happiness levels.
C. Detroit’s high level of homeownership causes its economic problems.
D. St. Louis has a higher level of homeownership than Los Angeles.
64. In his article, Richard Florida tried to express that _________.
A. people in Los Angeles are happier than those in St. Louis
B. renting a house is better than owning a house
C. Detroit’s economy is healthier than New York’s economy
D. New York and Los Angeles are happiest cities
65. The writer believes that New York City and Los Angeles _________.
A. pay employees highest wages in America
B. benefit from low levels of homeownership
C. are leading cities across the globe
D. are best American cities to live in
66. From Fannie Mae’s survey report, we can know that _________.
A. paying rent makes more sense
B. most homeowners plan to sell their houses
C. most renters prefer to become homeowners
D. parents need to buy a house for their children