The new migration

The last US census reports found the combination of pre-retiree and divorcee migration meant that the major cities were no longer the growth centres of the US. The “micropolises”, the towns of 20,000 to 50,000 population, had taken over that role.

I noted these reports "with interest".

Then I found that my last four sales of sections within my hamlet had been to single women of whom three were recently divorced.

Broadband was a condition of sale for the last two because they are research workers who telecommute.

I have been fighting a long running battle with council planners, and so-called environmentalists, who insist that large unmanageable lots are the best means of housing “lifestylers” in the countryside. I was attending a meeting in which my client developer was trying to get consent for a coastal development with a wide range of lot sizes to cater for different needs. The representative of the Department of Conservation was hanging in for minimum lots sizes of 4ha and wanted an 8ha average, if he could get it.

I finally asked him, “Why does your department discriminate against single women?”

He was suitably shocked by the accusation and asked me to justify the claim. I went through the argument. His response was, “We don’t discriminate against single women - we just think they should not be allowed to live in the countryside”. The others round the table were not impressed. I tell this tale whenever I can - especially around professional women and women councillors.

The planners who promote policies of “containment and intensification” of the cities, and try to prevent people moving to the country are fighting a losing battle. The pre-retirees are trying to relocate to lower-priced housing to generate a retirement nest egg. The divorced women are relocating to find affordable housing and a more supportive environment for them and their children.

Broadband facilitates both migrations, while telecommuting is a boon to the mid-career divorcee.

At first it might seem strange that a residential development targeted at pre-retirees would also appeal to divorced women.

However, both are attracted to the small lots which they can maintain and develop without needing large grazing animals or large dangerous machines. The park concept provides the security of the gated community without the need for gates. Any children enjoy having a 20-acre backyard and kayaks without having to go onto a road. The family pets are welcome and love the place.

And the residents form an active but informal community. We all help pick the olives and grapes. Vegetables and fruit are exchanged. And we watch over each others’ properties while anyone is absent.

We all know that if you buy a Honda CRV every second car on the road suddenly seems to be a Honda CRV. Similarly, I find I now seem to live in a district full of single women recently arrived from the city.

There is something fascinating about watching overseas research papers turn into reality in your own backyard.