There are not enough specifics in the post to draw that (or any) conclusion. I can back OP's general sentiment. If you've owned a home in the city for the last ~20 years you might interpret the post as I have.

Costs go up, infrastructure ages. It makes sense. but it used to be that living inside the city compared to the next block across the county line meant paying a "premium" in the form of property taxes, certain insurance rates, and for a fortunate few, private school tuition. Now water bills are, for reasons both understandable and lamentable, an additional "premium" for city residents.