Housing Quote by Mike Royko
““Behind the high-rises are the crumbling, crowded buildings where the lower-income people live. No answer has been found to their housing problems because the real estate people say there's not enough profit in building homes for them. And beyond them are the middle-income people, who can't make it to the high-rises and can't stay where they are because the schools are inadequate, the poor are pushing toward them, and nothing is being done about their problems, so they move to the suburbs. When their children grow up and they retire, maybe then they can move to a lake front high-rise.””
About This Quote
Source Column: Chicago Tribune, 1970s
He describes urban housing inequality, where profit motives prevent affordable homes, forcing middle‑income families into suburbs.
In simple terms: He explains how profit‑driven real estate harms low‑ and middle‑income residents.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for equitable housing policies.
Themes
urban planning
economic inequality
housing crisis
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
analytical
social
When to use this quote
- city planning
- policy advocacy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
profit motive
segregation
urban sprawl
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies can ensure affordable housing?
- How can communities resist displacement?
A Different Perspective
Complex solutions required beyond blaming profit alone.
