• @AA5B@lemmy.world
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    1218 hours ago

    It’s more modern than that. I don’t have time to look for stats, but I believe there’s been general migration to cities for like half a century or more

    • @CarbonatedPastaSauce@lemmy.world
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      1317 hours ago

      Of course, but I’m talking about why all these little towns existed in the first place. It’s not like they were all bustling metropolises before everyone left. ;)

      • @anomnom@sh.itjust.works
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        45 hours ago

        A lot were busy manufacturing, mining, or farming towns.

        The mines run out or become unprofitable.

        The manufacturing has largely moved to out of the states, or been automated.

        And big farms and grocery stores have squeezed independent farmers out of everywhere but the farmers markets near rich cities.