then start working on the REAL problem: dense cities Absolutely not. I moved from the Midwest - small to medium sized towns (populations of 3k to 60k) - to a

then start working on the REAL problem: dense cities Absolutely not. I moved from the Midwest - small to medium sized towns (populations of 3k to 60k) - to a larger city in Northern Europe. It wasn't safe to walk in the US, and if I walked at the wrong times, there was always police presence and occasionally harassment. Things weren't close: Even in the small city, I couldn't safely walk to every store. I never really knew freedom until I lived here without a car. I walk to the grocery store and places that are 30-50 minutes away. I use public transportation. The two of these mean I get a lot more physical activity than I ever would in the US and this is without having to do special exercise. I'll never be stuck in the house due to poverty again. Other folks aren't as likely to get stuck in the house due to disability either. I like living in the countryside, but it is a trap unless you can travel. In general, this means you have to drive and pay for a reliable vehicle.