Abstract
Natural amenities involving a mild climate, topographic variation, and the presence of water areas are closely linked to population growth throughout the United States. From 1970 to1996 nonmetropolitan counties with high ratings on six natural amenity factors grew by an average of 125 percent, compared to just 1 percent among counties rated low on those same factors (McGranahan, 1999; also Beale & Johnson, 1998; Johnson & Beale, 1994; Rudzitis, 1999; Rudzitis & Johansen, 1989; Shumway & Davis, 1996). Amenity-based growth has been especially evident in nonmetropolitan portions of the American West, reflecting the widespread presence of public lands, national parks and monuments, wilderness areas, scenic vistas, and other natural amenity features. The development of major winter and summer resorts at places like Park City, Utah and Aspen, Colorado has driven both seasonal tourism and extensive land and housing development in many areas. Other areas without major resort developments, such as Idaho’s Teton Valley, have also experienced substantial growth due to in-migration of retirees, telecommuting professionals, and urban refugees attracted to high-amenity locations. Although the occurrence of amenity-based growth is well documented, its implications for social and community well-being are not clearly understood. From some perspectives, such growth represents a potential solution to difficulties associated with the deterioration of traditional rural economies such as farming, ranching, and resource extraction. From other perspectives, such growth has the potential to open a Pandora’s Box of social and economic problems associated with rapid population growth, tensions and conflicts between established and in-migrant populations, and the transformation of valued rural cultures and traditions. Amenity-based growth has the potential to influence, both positively and negatively, residents’ satisfaction with community conditions, their levels of
Published Version
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