Effect of Local Variations in Public Services on Housing Production at the Fringe of a Growth-Controlled Multi-County Metropolitan Area

Abstract

The influence of public services on suburban residential development has been taken for granted until recently when a few scholars have considered their importance in more detail in assessing housing production functions in such small areas as counties. This study examines this issue in more detail at the fringe of a four-county (two-state) SMSA facing the dilemma of centrifugal population movement versus rigid growth-containment policies. It is demonstrated by the results of this investigation that, contrary to some earlier notions, because of the non-restrictive influence of land relative to low density residential development, production functions for housing become largely explained by public services.