This was only made possible by enormous federal subsidies for returning soldiers and huge investments in public infrastructure by the federal government. The private sector and the government were in alignment when it came to solving big national problems for mutual benefit. Ironically it was Big Business and Big Government that created the environment for individuals to achieve their dreams of an independent and secure home life.

Built in 1952, these particular homes are now sixty seven years old. Some of the Levittown homes have been modified and upgraded over the decades. Others limp along fair to middling.

As these homes age so do the pipes, pavement, and other infrastructure that keeps the community functioning. The associated sewerage treatment plants, water supply systems, landfills, power stations, and schools are all aging out. Replacing them is an expensive endeavor. And that doesn’t include the accumulated pension obligations for teachers, police, fire fighters and administrators. The money simply isn’t there beyond a certain date.

The commercial strips that served the Levittown population well for an entire lifetime are now played out. The Levittown Shop-O-Rama was eclipsed when the Oxford Valley Mall opened in 1973. It’s been a long slow ride down ever since in spite of multiple attempts at retail retrofits. The department stores of the Eisenhower and Kennedy era are long gone, replaced by the Dollar Store.