The Good Life and the Persistence of Exclusive Communities in the Upper Midwest

Abstract

Our research covers the conceptual framework of the good life and how this concept helps inform thinking about exclusive communities in the present. Looking at wealthy Upper Midwestern communities, River Hills, WI, Shorewood Hills, WI, and Winnetka, IL, their demographics, and relationships with nearby communities, we identify key aspects of prosperity. Each community places an emphasis on single-family detached housing and maintaining a static and quiet environment. Wealthy communities in the Upper Midwest reflect the values of predominantly white and college-educated individuals. From our observations, we identified values associated with the good life in these communities. These values include being located near cultural and economic activity, maintaining a degree of homogeneity in appearance and population, having local hegemony over planning decisions, and having a natural aesthetic and private setting.