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Are Cities Overrated? : Planet Money Big cities used to be the land of opportunity for most people. But with changes in work, some economists are wondering: Are cities overrated?

Planet Money

Are Cities Overrated?

Are Cities Overrated?

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A view of New York City from above. Drew Angerer/Getty Images hide caption

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Drew Angerer/Getty Images

A view of New York City from above.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Remember those stories about someone leaving their small town, moving to the big city, starting in the mailroom at a company and working their way up? Well, upward mobility ain't what it used to be.

Big cities used to be the land of opportunity for most people, regardless of their education level. Now, new research challenges decades of economic thinking about jobs, equality, and what makes cities thrive.

Now, some economists are wondering: Are cities overrated?

Music: "Get on Up" and "Talk It Out."

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