"We moved to Arizona in 1982 primarily because my husband's company relocated its manufacturing facility to Phoenix. The warm climate and the widespread use of air conditioning made the transition comfortable, and the lower cost of living allowed us to buy a home. Many of our neighbors in this new suburban development also moved from the Midwest and Northeast, bringing their political views with them."
— Excerpt from an interview with a suburban homeowner, 1985
Which of the following was a primary factor driving the migration pattern described in the excerpt?
- AA desire to escape the economic disruptions of the Market Revolution in Northern cities
- The expansion of job opportunities in new economic sectors and a lower cost of livingAnswer
- CThe attraction of expanded welfare benefits provided by Great Society initiatives in Southern states
- DThe implementation of supply-side economic policies that increased federal corporate tax rates
Answer
The expansion of job opportunities in new economic sectors and a lower cost of living
The correct answer is correct because the post-1980 migration to the Sun Belt (the South and West) was primarily driven by the movement of businesses and workers seeking warm climates, lower costs of living, and expanding employment opportunities in defense, aerospace, technology, and service industries.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Demographic Shifts and Sun Belt Migration