Rather than investigate ways to make the educational process more efficient, New Jersey has responded to high education costs (an average of $12,567 per student per year) by developing adults-only housing. Nearly one fifth of the nation’s adults-only residential areas are now located in New Jersey. By keeping kids out of the state, they area able to keep taxes down.

Instead of nipping the problem at the bud by looking into cost-effective ways to improve education, developers and local governments are working together at snipping the leaves before they get too big. This arrangement has made the state particularly attractive to baby-boomers who are looking for a quiet place to live after their children move away. However, it’s a short sighted plan that will inevitably bring the state’s economy to a screeching halt. The state is squeezing out both existent and soon-to-be parents, perhaps the most influential demographic in terms of cultivating economic growth.

According to the article, this trend is not limited to New Jersey. Homeschool parents are least likely to move to these areas because they are already paying for their child’s education in addition to others’ via property taxes. Also, because homeschooling families tend to be larger, this dissuades homeschoolers from living in New Jersey and other locations where families are being discouraged. This is unfortunate because this leads to the bright minds of homeschool graduates being put to use in areas where it is more convenient to raise a family. As a homeschooling mother, I can only suggest that we look into taking on the teachers unions rather than engaging in this futile shortsighted scheme.

Read more at the Washington Post