Those arrivals in 1600s were, eg, landing in Boston then going out any buying a plot of land to work and build their future. So there were these larger parcels

Those arrivals in 1600s were, eg, landing in Boston then going out any buying a plot of land to work and build their future. So there were these larger parcels available, and you'd cut some trees to a) clear some land for farming and b) build your new house. Folk weren't necessarily able to acquire an existing home then some land out of town.