Families Shirk Suburbia for Urban Life

In this March 3, 2015 photo, Michael Kelly offers his daughter, Elea, 2, a taste of fresh herbs that he grows at Sprout, the restaurant he owns in Seattle's downtown Pioneer Square neighborhood, as his wife, Jenny, looks on. The Kellys live only a few blocks away, and are a part of a small but growing number of parents who are bucking the trend of moving to suburbs when they have children. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
In this March 3, 2015 photo, Michael Kelly offers his daughter, Elea, 2, a taste of fresh herbs that he grows at Sprout, the restaurant he owns in Seattle’s downtown Pioneer Square neighborhood, as his wife, Jenny, looks on. The Kellys live only a few blocks away, and are a part of a small but growing number of parents who are bucking the trend of moving to suburbs when they have children. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Seattle’s population composition, along with other cities like Portland, OR could be seeing a trend where young parents opt to remain in,  or return to the city life they enjoyed pre-families.

On March 24th, the Associated Press reported that “A small but growing number of parents are bucking a trend when it comes to raising their kids: Rather than move to suburbs as their parents once did, many are opting to stay in or near downtown. Some do it to seek an urban lifestyle, shorten commutes or be within proximity to restaurants, museums and other attractions.”

Citing a 30% increase in school enrollment between 2007 and  2012, this vocal group has been pushing cities to become friendlier to families – by requesting they add  schools, green space and recreational services to accommodate this growing population.

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