Attack of the Incredible Shrinking City

So Suffolk County (Quick! Name the other three communities that make up Suffolk County besides Boston!) has become a shrinking violet, supposedly shedding people faster than anywhere else in the country. What does it mean?

Michael says it's simple economics:

... For years, housing and real estate prices in Eastern Mass have been ridiculous and our-of-control. When the average house price tops half a million dollars, and a simple two-bedroom apartment can't be found for less than $1,500, a significant percentage of the population will start looking to relocate. ...

But, he adds, the numbers fail to take into account a tide of immigrants, both legal and illegal, who might be relucatant to cooperate with the census bureau:

... If this means the state is loosing out on Federal assistance, some difficult choices need to be made. Personally, and as hard as it is to admit it, the Dowbrigade has finally found a policy initiative by the Bush junta that we can sort of agree with. The concept of a "Guest worker" visa allowing these people limited stays in the US and legal, tax-paying status could go a long way towards solving the problem of unskilled illegal foreign workers. If they prove to be good workers, solid citizens and stay out of trouble, they should be allowed to stay. ...

John: [T]he real estate situation here is tough for young families who probably won't get much relief until we boomers start dying off.

The Modern American counts himself as among those who will flee New England if the high cost of housing continues:

... It also doesn't help that the 'burbs are artificially keeping their housing prices high through means like snob zoning. Especially when new housing is trending toward vasectomy housing, it leaves all young people, and especially families or families-to-be wedged between a rock and a hard place.