There are lots of potential reasons a person would move to the suburbs: to get away from the traffic, to have a yard, to feel safe, better schools, etc. According to Hazel Morrow-Jones’s research at Ohio State University, the number one factor is because people want new, larger homes.

“People have told us they were not leaving the central city because of the schools; the rating they gave the schools is largely the same that suburban households give when they leave,” she said.

Her suggestion for fighting this trend:

“A new home in an old neighborhood — that’s the ideal. No one wants to deal with the old wiring, but they love the old trees; they love the character of the older homes and the access to things.”