America’s rural areas are seeing more deaths than births, along with widespread socioeconomic decline. Despite the hardships of city life, few young people are choosing to live outside of city centres, suburbs, and exurbs – and small town America is at risk of being snuffed out.

Why are a growing number of Aussies passing on parenthood? How is the ‘fair go’ mantra evolving? And what does avocado have to do with buying a house Down Under? This Cultural Snapshot uses local statistics and case studies to explore behavioural norms shared by Australians in 2017.

As real estate prices skyrocket, Sydney neighbourhoods are becoming overwhelmingly marked by flat-based living. With detached homes out of reach for young families, the conception of the family home is shifting to suit the modern realities of city life.

Owning a home is still part of the American dream for Gen Y, but many are being priced out of cities, leading them to seek a place in the exurbs instead. As they trade hectic urban life for a quieter existence between suburbia and rural regions, what can we learn about this generation of home buyers?