>That said even the metro hasn't grown at anywhere near the rates of cities in the south and west.

Ah yes. I grew up in MA. And that applies to all of the Northeast pretty much, right? There was a flight to the south and west when manufacturing became much cheaper there (before most of it then moved out of the US altogether). Like mens shirts and all knitwear -- they used to be made in New England and first moved to the sunbelt before going offshore.

(And of course, nearly all of RI's jewelry manufacturing, which I think went from here straight to China/SE Asia 😣)

Again, much appreciate these insights 🤝