My personal view is that cities of the present are essentially serving the same purposes they have served since the 19th century: meeting places for like-minded

My personal view is that cities of the present are essentially serving the same purposes they have served since the 19th century: meeting places for like-minded participants in labour markets, social and cultural gatherings, and sex. As the cost of living in cities rises due to the shortage of land and the requirement for importing food and water, those seeking life partners can increase not only their number of prospective mates, but the feasibility of finding one who makes a lot of money. Not to mention the availability and acceptability of almost any persuasion, hobby, or kink. Those souls most interested in health will have no problem finding a vegan delicacy at any mealtime, no worry of being stuck with some "salad" at McDonald's as the only option being any points A and B, and they can always hop a train to commune with nature. Broadly speaking, the desire of people to live near thousands of their peers after graduation will cause young professionals to keep moving to cities, eschewing a life more connected with nature for one with a greater diversity of local work opportunities, events, and beautiful bodies. Just like London.