Why do some neighborhoods decline?

Question

I recently visited my old neighborhood and was very depressed to see the deplorable state that it was in. Instead of the beautiful gardens, manicured lawns, and well-kept homes that I remembered, I was greeted with vacant lots, weeds, and dilapidated houses. I always wonder, why is it when new people move into a neighborhood, they don't maintain the property in the same way in which they found it? Does not take much energy to sweep or put garbage where it belongs, mow the lawn, or plant a few flowers...basic upkeep.

I don't buy the excuse that certain race/s bring a neighborhood down. Nor, do I buy the excuse that the current economy has brought neighborhoods down.

This looked like serious neglect over many years, not overnight.

Does anybody get it? I don't.

Answer 1

i have been through the same thing myself.the reason i think is because the new settlers in that neighborhood do not understand the sentimental value of that place like your times. the fact that you loved the place the way it was does not mean the new people will like it and treat it like you did. some people just don't care  

Answer 2

Laziness! Let one lazy person move into the neighborhood and pretty soon the ones who will do the required upkeep will abandon this neighborhood for one where the neighbors do their part, leaving the old neighborhood for the lazy folks who let it go to waste. Why maintain a property when the value continues to go down due to lazy neighbors? Best bet is to move to a better neighborhood!

Answer 3

I have to say it's the economy HANDS DOWN.  A town nearby me used to be a booming steal town but when the mill closed....everything went down hill.  The once beautiful neighborhood now has dilapidated houses and closed down storefronts!  Crime has gone up.  Not too many jobs around has made it hard for people to keep their property looking nice.  Some have moved out and the poor remain.  But it takes money to keep your lawn nice!  Your house needs upkeep?...it takes money to get a new paint job or new roof.  Flowers cost money too...plus life is just expensive.  Upkeep on houses seems to be the last on peoples list when they have to upkeep their car, take care of their kids, etc.  which IS a shame!

I agree that basic upkeep is NOT that strenuous but I think alot of people get used to living that way and/or are too depressed to care.