Reverse Migration

In the fictional story of Little Woods, the McCallum family decides to move to Liberty, Missouri where they plan to start a small business and escape the dangerous pursuit of a sociopath gangster named Stones Parabello. Liberty is located near the region where the Potawatomi Indians from Chicago first settled after their removal of 1835.

 

As the McCallums prepare for their move, they observe how a flu pandemic has been a catalyst to a mass migration away from major metropolitan areas. For the McCallums, however, the pandemic only serves to lower the price of real estate near Chicago and delays the sale of their home, creating great consternation that they will fail to realize enough equity on the transaction to finance their entrepreneurial aspirations.

 

The U.S. Census Bureau provides historic demographic trends based on the 2000 census.

 

 

Excerpt: Little Woods (August - 21st Century: Soul Search)

 

“Is he in danger?” Jill asked with wet eyes.

 

“From the storm? Probably not. It’s supposed to pass south of Chicago.”

 

“What about the bad people?”

 

“Our lawyer said the danger’s over. I’m not sure how Eddie Schmeltz would know, but your dad has confidence in the man’s opinion.”

 

“When’s Dad coming to Missouri?”

 

“I'm not sure. The realtor said they’re seeing people who want to move from the big cities to the smaller ones. They’re calling it a reverse migration. Lots of new development is expected around here. Construction workers and all the people needed to provide services will follow. Your Aunt Jean and Uncle Larry might have an easier time selling their house here in Liberty than your father’s going to have selling ours in St. Charles.”

 

 

Excerpt: Little Woods (October - 21st Century: Leaving)

 

“She thinks [Sam Hustel] can make an honest living out here. And, she could actually be right about that. Everywhere I go I see new construction. New housing developments are sprouting in every empty field. New strip malls are filling in the empty spaces along the main highways. Roads are being extended and widened. Home repairs from recent storm damage are putting people to work. A young laborer struggling to find work near Chicago might have better luck here.”