Evening star., 1900-08-18
Influence of Trolley Roads in De-
velopment Of Property.
URBAN AND SUBURBAN CONDITIONS
Opportunities for Those Who
Want to Become Home Owners.
IoUs NATTER 5

One of the eastern newspapers, in discuss
ing the figures of the population of the
District as gathered by the present census,
laid special emphasis those ating to
the suburban portion of the District, which,
is well known, shows a growth during
the past census decade of 80 per cent of
the increase in the entire District. The
building statistics also demonstrate that al
least 30 per cent of the amount of money
spent last year in construction was eX-
pended in the suburban district, or county,
as it is called. These figures give evidence
that the growth outward of the city is a
substantial fact.
They do not, however, warrant the infer
ence drawn by the journal referred to, that
the movement in this city, as in other cit
les, toward the development of the country
about the urban bounds is to the disadvan-
tage of the property lying within the limits
of the city. 1t is pointed out by the same
authority that this movement is largely cue
to the great expansion of the rapid transit
street railroads, which, stretching out from
the busy centers of population for miles
into the country, have given an opportunity
for the workers and dwe-lers in cities to
leave the congested section and find homes
out in the suburbs, where there is not only
more room and better air, but also lower
property values.
Rapid ana CheAp.
People find by the trolley roads they can
go cheaply and rapidly from their places
of employment in the city to distant points
in the outlying parts of the country. One
conclusion based upon these undeniable
facts and also on the probability of contin-
ued expansion in the same direction is that
the market for city property has suffered
and will suffer on account of this competi-
ton. There is doubt that one result Of
this modern movement in most cities is to
injure city property. But here the situation
is probably unlike that of any other place,
for the reason that the city proper is bet
ter able to stand such competition, for our
streets are wide and lined with trees, and
on account of the numerous parks and res
ervations the city dweler takes much sat
isfaction in the beauty of the surroundings
of his home.
On the contrary if the streets were mar
row and destitute of shade, and there We're
no parks, it can readily be understood that
the opportunities offered by the nearly om-
niscient trolley would be eagerly seized
upon by the residents as a means to get
away to region Of pure air and more
healthful surroundings. In this city 1t is
believed the opening up Of the adjacent
country which is now going on. and which
is likely to be a feature of the real estate
market for some time to come. will be
merely 10 widen the field of the choice of
home. nd those who desire to live in the
country for whatever reason Will go there,
while those who prefer life in the city will
continue to find places of residence within
the urban limits. 1t is possible, then, that
property both within the city and outside
Will continue to be in demand, and that to
meet the needs Of n growing population the
bounds of the area of the population will
be constantly spreading outward.
The Glass of Home Owners.
It is evident from the inquiries already
| made through real estate dealers that there
will be in the near future considerable in
crease in the ranks of the home owners In
this District, the recruits coming from
among those who are now living in rented
| houses or are boarding. Such a movement
is looked upon as an indication of healthy
condition not only of the real estate mar
ket but of the business world in general.
At this time it is believed to be stimulated
by the improved facilities Of communica-
tion between the country and the city,
which, stated, has come from the
markable development of the trolley rail-
roads
1t is now possible for men of small means
and practically no cash to undertake the
purchase of a home for themselves at
slight advance, and in some cases no ad
vance, over what they are now paying each
month for rent, and with a reasonable pros
pect of being able in the course of time to
own their own houses. The latter IS some
thing that appeals to nearly every man,
and when there are opportunities for men
of limited means to go into a scheme of
this character 1t is surprising how many
are anxious to enter upon the road which
will eventually lead them to become their
own landlords. There are abundant chances
to buy houses in the country, or to get lots
Where houses can be erected, or to make
arrangements with the owners of property
by which improvements can be made to suit
! the taste OF the prospective purchaser.