Growth of Suburbs in the 1950's

Several factors that had an impact on the growth of suburbs in the 1950's were then equally impacted by this suburban growth. Vehicles, government insured loans, and roadways all led to the growth of the suburbs, and in turn, were enhanced because of this shift in the population from urban districts to the "suburbs."

People like William Levitt, helped to create some of the first suburbs, such as Levittown, located on Long Island. Many other Levittown's soon followed. The government, through VA loans and FHA backed loans, were able to insure mortgages up to 95% of the home's value. This allowed contractors such as Levitt to construct cheap homes by the thousands. This also enabled veterans and first time home buyers to purchase homes in the suburban areas, such as Levittown, for a minimal down payment.

The growth of the suburbs was possible through the use of vehicles. This allowed the middle class who could afford homes outside the city the ability to commute into the central business district and then return to their quiet suburban homes in the evening. This suburban growth also led to a culture that was more dependent upon individual transportation resulting in an increase in automobile production.

The growth of suburbs and the automobile industry had obvious effects on the roadways. State and local governments aided with some roadways, but the Federal government had a great impact when they created over 79,000 miles of highways and interstate expressways in less than 10 years.

During the 1950's, the typical suburban culture was formed. The white middle class dominated the suburban areas. Minorities were discriminated against when it came to suburban relocation. Levitt homes were restricted to Caucasian's only. These practices led to the suburbs being 95% white population. The poor were also unable to obtain mortgages or the vehicles necessary to live outside the city and commute into the city for work. This resulted in the stereotypical "Cleaver" family lifestyle of the suburban white Americans.

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