On the other side of the continent, my own observations are remarkably similar. The same pattern has been happening here in Portland (Oregon) for at least the

On the other side of the continent, my own observations are remarkably similar. The same pattern has been happening here in Portland (Oregon) for at least the last 30 years. Wherever artists congregate, whichever quarter of the region, pretty soon the affluent declare it a "cool" place to live, real estate prices skyrocket and artists can't afford it. Obviously this affects most living there, few can afford to stay. So yes, I've said it many times. Why is the city so determined to turn itself into the suburb we city dwellers wanted to avoid? Though I am an artist, I'm not poor. I have the means to continue living near the center of town, but I'm beginning to have doubts about the wisdom of staying here.