The suburbs: No longer the American Dream?

[marmar]

That perfect picture of the American Dream: A white picket fence, 2.5 kids, a dog and friendly neighbors -- they all require a suburban location.

But according to one new book, that picture is changing. Americans are leaving the suburbs. In fact, for the first time a century, cities are growing faster than the 'burbs. Leigh Gallagher, assistant managing editor at Fortune, looks into why in her new book "The End of the Suburbs: Where The American Dream is Moving."

And while many people think of the growth of the suburbs as an explosion of American independence, the buildup of places like Levittown were actually quite planned by the government -- especially with the help of things like tax deductions.

.....(snip).....

Part of the change is also attributed to the "huge demographic bombshell" of young families who are choosing to stay in cities with children -- whereas the suburbs are full of older generation, baby boomers. ......................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.marketplace.org/topics/life/big-book/suburbs-no-longer-american-dream

[LessLawnFewerCars]

1. I Live In One But It's Not A Dream

Utter dependence on the automobile. Pollution belching lawnmowers, weedeaters, edgers, and blowers. People shut inside houses and behind privacy fences. Large shade that were once appreciated for their shade are being felled and not replaced now that everyone stays inside in air conditioning. Neglected dogs barking for lack of attention. All good, however, for the constant feeding of the consumption crazed economy.

House across the street is 100' away, but those next door are 15' from mine.

Right now, the cheapest place for me to live. Want though to someday find a better way. In the meantime, I walk, bike, and take DART (DallasAreaRapidTransit) when I can, and have eliminated the lawn in favor of a natural, semi-self-sustaining yardgarden.

I just joined...marmar I would like to read your personal thoughts...would hope to find others like-minded here as well.

Rob