d at more than two million
residents in 1950, then began to decline with the restructuring of industry,
which led to the loss of many middle-class union jobs. In addition, suburbanization
had been drawing off many of the wealthier residents to outlying railroad
commuting towns and newer housing. Revitalization and gentrification of
neighborhoods began in the late 1970s and continues into the 21st century, with
much of the development in the Center City and University City areas of the
city. After many of the old manufacturers and businesses left Philadelphia or
shut down, the city started attracting service businesses and began to more
aggressively market itself as a tourist destination. Glass-and-granite
skyscrapers were built in Center City. Historic areas such as Independence
National Historical Park located in Old City and Society Hill were renovated
during the reformist mayoral era of the 1950s through the 1980s. They are now
among the most desirable living areas of Center City. This has slowed the
city's 40-year population decline after it lost nearly one-quarter of its
population. The city has attracted more recent immigrants: Hispanics from
Central and South America and Asian refugees from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Educated Asians from India have tended to settle in suburbs with other middle-
and upper-class people
