[orange_joe]

A big part of the problem is distribution, a home in Akron isn’t as valuable to society as a home in SF/NYC. People are locked out of opportunity (which doesn’t just enrich the individual but broader society though taxes and more efficient labor) through lack of housing.

[vsskanth]

I used to live in Akron. The tire, rubber and chemical industries are big and have a lot of high paying jobs. This is not even taking Cleveland into account which is a massive medical hub. Looking at just the city is misleading. You need to look at the desirable suburbs between Akron and Cleveland (ex. Hudson). They're massive, expensive homes there.

I understand what you're saying but Akron probably isn't the most ideal example for your comparison.

[selimthegrim]

Akron is not devoid of contributions to industry (the university has cut some departments lately)

-signed, child of two UA alums who went to Caltech. I know another UA alum from my HS (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanwang/) who has done quite well building venture backed companies.

[orange_joe]

I don’t doubt that many have achieved great things in Akron, but was rather arguing that the relative level of opportunity is lower in Akron (median income 23K) than SF (54k) or NYC (32K). The typical person is more economically productive in cities like NYC or SF.

[jcadam]

> a home in Akon isn’t as valuable to society as a home in SF/NYC.

What an odd thing to say.

[seanmcdirmid]

If Akron had a hot economy with high paying jobs, its housing would surely be more valuable.

[rcpt]

It makes perfect sense if you're concerned about the economy

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/opin...