> most people in the suburban US have no idea what a public, car-free, communal space where people can casually gather without buying something even is. You ha

> most people in the suburban US have no idea what a public, car-free, communal space where people can casually gather without buying something even is. You haven't really lived in US suburbs then. I live in one and within 0.6-0.8 mile radius, we have 3-4 parks and 2-3 libraries. Within 15-20 min driving distance, we have amazing parks. We meet other people regularly in such places without having to buy anything. And thanks to California weather, those are accessible except when it is raining. So please stop your FUD.