As others say, the density means you are walking distance - and otherwise public transit or bicycling distance - from all sorts of services, arts, etc. that are

As others say, the density means you are walking distance - and otherwise public transit or bicycling distance - from all sorts of services, arts, etc. that aren't in the suburbs. I'll add that those services, arts, etc. include much that is far better than what is in the suburbs - better food, art, music, etc. etc. That doesn't appeal to everyone, of course, but if you care about it, then there is no substitute. Look up a listing of music playing this weekend in NYC, for example. Look up arts and museums. etc.