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This article is all about money. What about life? Suburbs are depressing. I find myself both happier and healthier in walkable communities near city center.

mtberatwork 8y ago
I agree with what you are saying and it's unfortunate that many of the modern suburbs in America were never created around the concept of a village but were strewn about by various developers looking to put up quick, cheap buildings to sell at a premium. It's often boring, drab and desolate in a sense. Depressing at times for sure. On the other hand, living in a cramped condo or apartment with kids isn't my cup of tea either and US cities aren't always the most walkable or even have quality public transit. Unless you are wealthy, which affords you more options, it's all a trade-off in the final end.
turc1656 8y ago
It depends on the person. I personally dislike cities in the general sense and would probably never live in one. I don't like such a high population density and lack of greenery. I'd much rather drive around a suburb or country area than around a city. I don't find suburbs depressing unless they are impoverished like some of the small, dying towns in the US that were once strong manufacturing areas but now are falling apart both economically and literally.
sonnyblarney 8y ago
If you have 4 kids, it might be different. All of my siblings have kids ands live in the burbs, and it's jus easier: they have larger, boring homes, but easy access to schools and the grocery store. Parkland: they all play sports and there are actual places to play them. The couldn't care less about not being near the museum. I think they would like maybe to be able to 'walk places' but that's one thing they give up. It's also very green and closer to the countryside. It's a little more banal but I really do think when you have kids, it's all about that, and so a lot of other things have less priority.
- thousandautumns 8y ago
  I agree, and I think the discussion of suburban vs urban doesn't focus on it enough. As a single (or at least, childless) person, the city absolutely is much more appealing to me. The moment I had children the city became much less desirable than the suburbs. Unfortunately, cities, particularly American cities, are not ideal for families.

mtberatwork 8y ago

I agree with what you are saying and it's unfortunate that many of the modern suburbs in America were never created around the concept of a village but were strewn about by various developers looking to put up quick, cheap buildings to sell at a premium. It's often boring, drab and desolate in a sense. Depressing at times for sure. On the other hand, living in a cramped condo or apartment with kids isn't my cup of tea either and US cities aren't always the most walkable or even have quality public transit. Unless you are wealthy, which affords you more options, it's all a trade-off in the final end.

turc1656 8y ago

It depends on the person. I personally dislike cities in the general sense and would probably never live in one. I don't like such a high population density and lack of greenery. I'd much rather drive around a suburb or country area than around a city. I don't find suburbs depressing unless they are impoverished like some of the small, dying towns in the US that were once strong manufacturing areas but now are falling apart both economically and literally.

sonnyblarney 8y ago

If you have 4 kids, it might be different. All of my siblings have kids ands live in the burbs, and it's jus easier: they have larger, boring homes, but easy access to schools and the grocery store. Parkland: they all play sports and there are actual places to play them. The couldn't care less about not being near the museum. I think they would like maybe to be able to 'walk places' but that's one thing they give up. It's also very green and closer to the countryside. It's a little more banal but I really do think when you have kids, it's all about that, and so a lot of other things have less priority.

thousandautumns 8y ago
I agree, and I think the discussion of suburban vs urban doesn't focus on it enough. As a single (or at least, childless) person, the city absolutely is much more appealing to me. The moment I had children the city became much less desirable than the suburbs. Unfortunately, cities, particularly American cities, are not ideal for families.