Why would people live in an area that is prone to natural disasters?

Answer 1

I once lived in an area that was prone to typhoons every year. The typhoon would hit, water levels would rise, and the power would get knocked out, but the locals just saw it as normal. Most people never thought of moving. People still went to work, they still went to the grocery store, they repaired/cleaned up the damage, and they went on with their lives. Nearly 8 million people lived in that city and the city was hundreds of years old. Something that might seem extreme to you and me might simply be a part of regular life to someone else.

Answer 2

apartment rents, housing, homes and land prices are usually less expensive.

It's a trade off.