This time the target is the coast along the southeast. But Florence could also work its way up to the Northeast Corridor.
Whether it's climate change or not, the reality of an increase in the number and severity of storms is making the dream of living by the water seem, well, dumb. The Category 6 and the Category 7 hurricane is possible.
That has thrown shade on the symbolism of being coastal as evidence of the good life. Full-time living or a cottage on the Atlantic or by the Pacific had been a marker for having made it.
Also, those planning to retire or semi-retire have to re-think having a more affordable lifestyle and beach living by relocating to, for example, Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida.
Yes, life as a beach is fading as the American Dream. The shift is to enjoy the ocean as vacation spot, not as a place to declare home.
Of course, the implications for the real estate industry are profound.
Forget building on the coast. Good luck selling existing property there.
Eventually, the insurance industry will find a way to limit its losses in that niche.
Smart disruptors will figure out another mode of living to signal success. It could be on a ranch in a Midwest location which is not vulnerable to severe weather events.
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