How to Tell if Your City is Dying

Hmmm...from the article.  Click title for link.  Ever wonder why the city applied and received the NSP2 grant?


People aren't paying taxes or mortgages
Bier says there are a number of classic signs that a city is in trouble:


An increase in property tax delinquency.
An increase in mortgage delinquency and foreclosure.
An increase in rental of single-family homes.
Property owners are unable to make needed repairs, because they don't have enough money.
Homes are being sold through "rent to own."
There's an increase in property code violations — or if the city isn't doing inspections, then that's a huge red flag.