The state's bureaucratic maze, lack of funds and the difficulty in obtaining affordable land are some of the reasons for the problem, Mr. Gordon said.

Well-educated, two-income families are flocking there as never before, drawn by a relative abundance of affordable land.

The Jewish population increased with the postwar boom as families searched for affordable land, and as bridges were built to Vancouver.

However, these migrants are having difficulty finding affordable land.

"With only 7 percent available, this was the optimum parcel of affordable land."

Desirable weather and several nearby hot springs offered the promise of comfortable, healthy living, in addition to the availability of affordable land.

Beginning in the 1740s, settlers arrived in the region in search of fertile and affordable land.

But as a survivor, he has not given up looking for affordable land for future projects.

Migrating to the frontier gave them the chance to purchase affordable land and avoid the social strictures of the coastal plantation areas.

Orange Mound was developed on the grounds a former plantation beginning in the 1890s and provided affordable land and residences for the less affluent.