Why people are migrating to Colorado
Migration and population growth is on the rise in Colorado especially in the center of the state as well as one of the four of the nation's fastest-growing counties in the 1990's due to many factors. Why is Colorado so popular to migrate to? Many people see the versatility the state is attributed with and how convenient it is for employment. People can live in the lifestyle associated with mountains and wildernesses while at the same time have access to a city filled with jobs with a minimal commute. Some also believe that people are drawn to Colorado and attracted to the state because of the typical image of the west, open space, and the old frontier vision that also creates
The transition, however, was not so smooth. Men and women were attracted to the new cities because of the culture and conveniences that were unavailable to rural communities. Immigrants in particular were eager to get to cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston for these reasons, and to look for better jobs than the ones they had found at home. In fact, without the increase in immigration from 1850 to 1920 (where around 38 million came to America), cities would have expanded at lethargic rates – if at all – due to a decreasing fertility rate and a high rate of infant mortality. Death due to disease was also common. Yet the influx of immigrants managed to make up for these losses, and cities grew exponentially for nearly a century1.
Abbott, C., Leonard, S. J., & Noel, T. J. (2013). Colorado- A History of the Centennial State (5th
In the years from 1860 through 1890, the prospect of a better life attracted nearly ten million immigrants who settled in cities around the United States. The growing number of industries produced demands for thousands of new workers and immigrants were seeking more economic opportunities. Most immigrants settled near each other’s own nationality and/or original village when in America.
One reason for the migration was the economic problem many people in Appalachia were facing (Brown 70). It seemed many of them had no choice but to leave their poverty stricken lives in search of a better economic way of life (Brown 61). Industrialized towns became very appealing to them (Brown 61). Opportunities were much greater in the larger cities (Brown 61). They knew that industry meant jobs and money, and Appalachia wanted to be a part of it (Brown 73).
Montana seems to be one of those states that most people either love or hate. It is so distinct from any other state that it is no wonder this is the case. Montana is in so many ways such a great state to live in, with a wide variety of recreation, hobbies, and other enjoyable pastimes; however, many problems plague the state, from its lack of modern conveniences to its poor job opportunities. What many people do not realize is how much these good and bad characteristics are related.
Deep in the heart of the American West lie two of the largest, most rugged, beautiful states in the nation, both of which have long been engaged in a heated rivalry. North and South from one another, Wyoming and Colorado have been at a border war since before either even gained statehood. With 97,195 square miles, Wyoming is the 10th largest of all 50 states. While the state is vast in land, it is scarce in population. As of 2005, a mere 509,294 residents inhabit “The Cowboy State” making it the least populated state in the nation (Wyoming facts, demography). Colorado, however, has a population of 4,159,000 according to the 2000 Census. Colorado is the 8th largest state in the nation encompassing 103,598 square miles (Colorado, facts). These “neighbors” however, have had anything but friendly relations. From water rights to football games, the infamous “Border War” has raged for over a century and will not likely cease in the near future.
There are many gratifying factors that attract people to the state of Texas which allows it to be one of the most diverse demographic systems in the United States. The most imperative influences in Texas’ are the prosperous business settings in its major cities, the vast amount of land and rich natural resources, and the convenient central location in the United States. All of these factors are attractive to citizens throughout the states and immigrants looking to migrate into the country. These features can cause a state to have major fluctuations in its demographics in regards to race, income, and age.
The Great Migration to northern states subtly began in the 1920’s, during the Jim Crow era (J. Stevenson, personal communication, November 12, 2013). An economic boom in the 1940’s during World War II generated the second Great Migration as families in the South were facing structural and environmental violence (J. Stevenson, personal communication, November 18, 2013). Poor infrastructure, lack of opportunities and jobs and incessant poverty inspired migration towards the northern and northwestern part of the country (J. Stevenson, personal communication, November 12, 2013), however Stack’s ethnography primarily focuses on families and individuals that have migrated to northern stat...
Abbott, C., Leonard, S. J., & Noel, T. J. (2013). Colorado- A History of the Centennial State (5th
Whether they traveled for economic reasons, technological reasons, or even social reasons, Americans moved regardless of the conditions. Moving was a vital aspect of American life, almost everyone did it, and almost everyone needed to do it. Although today in America, it is the complete opposite. Today, people still need to move, although they are just not doing it. This is evident in “How to Get Americans Moving Again,” when Brooks writes, “Curiously, some of the Americans who would seem poised to gain the most from moving appear to be among the most stuck” (Brooks). Also, it is not like Americans aren’t moving because there isn’t better opportunity elsewhere. There are just as many reasons to move today as there were during the seventeen hundreds, if not more! Brooks states, “We might expect movement from a high-unemployment state like Mississippi (unemployment rate: 6.3 percent) to low unemployment states like New Hampshire (2.6 percent) or North Dakota (3.1 percent). Instead Mississippians are even less likely to migrate out of the state today than they were before the Great Recession hit”
California was becoming known for its entrepreneurial opportunities; soon many were coming to California, not to work in the mining filed, rather to set up business and cater to the mining communities. Soon there were saloons, hotels, and red light districts spread throughout San Francisco and outer mining communities. Women who were forced to rely on men to support them back home, came to California and were able to work and support themselves in these towns.
Montana today is place that is still very similar that of a hundred years ago. Ranching and farming out east, mining still goes on in Butte, fishing is big along the western rivers, and now there is a new boom, with oil and natural gas throughout the state. As John Steinbeck said, “I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.”
Abbott, C., Leonard, S. J., & Noel, T. J. (2013). Colorado- A History of the Centennial State (5th
The state's fusion of southern hospitality and northern industriousness give it an appeal that is more than the sum of its history. It's the nexus where other states meet, but its own lush green heart remains untouched by the traffic snarls and enervating bustle of big cities. From West Virginia's rolling Appalachian hills to its busy college towns, opportunities for putting down deep roots in coal country abound.
“When many educated or professional people leave a particular place or even a profession and move to a different one that gives them better pay, more benefits, and better living conditions is known as the brain drain” (Brain Drain, n.d., pg 1). The brain drain is becoming a huge problem in rural areas all across the nation, with so many people making the individual decision to leave the rural area, because they are doing what they think is best for themselves. Many will wonder, is it in there best interest or how will it effect the community. But really it is not up to us, whether or not we think they should stay and help build the community up or leave and go into the cities where they will make more money and have a better lifestyle. It is