City Problems

Two of the most crucial problems facing American cities are housing and transportation. A shortage of suitable housing, especially for low-income families and the elderly, has led to over-crowding and slums, and has helped create the additional problems of crime, juvenile delinquency, and racial tensions. A housing shortage has been created even for middle-income families due to the widespread conversion of rental units into condominiums. .) A tremendous increase in the number of automobiles has clogged streets and overburdened parking facilities, while transit systems have not developed as rapidly as the demand for them. In addition, cities tend to create air pollution and noise pollution and some also pollute nearby waters.

A large number of cities also suffer from financial problems; taxes, although high, are not able to keep up with the costs of running schools and providing public services. Overcrowded conditions and high taxes have caused people and industry to move to suburbs, weakening the tax base.