Urban and Suburban Lifestyles More Similar Than Thought, Study Says

The differences in the ways people who live in the city spend their time versus the way people who live in suburbs spend their time are few and small.

1 minute read

November 5, 2019, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Times Square New York

Khurram / Unsplash

A new study authored by Eric Morris, associate professor of City and regional Planning at Clemson University, debunks some of the stereotypes about the differences between suburban and urban lifestyles.

An article by Richard Florida shares news of the new study, boosting the signal about the lifestyle similarities found in the two kinds of built environments.

Morris used data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS), conducted annually by the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics to analyze and compare the lifestyles of urbanites and suburbanites, producing findings that challenge the common stereotypes.

"First and foremost, it turns out there is very little difference in how urbanites and suburbanites who are demographically similar spend their time," explains Florida. "Both the composition of their activities and the amount of time they devote to them are remarkably similar."

More details of the study's findings can be found at the source article. The one key exception in lifestyle differences: time spent traveling, which includes commuting.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 in CityLab

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Close-up of black electric bike with person resting one foot on ground and holding blue helmet.

California E-Bike Rebate Program Launches — Again

After a series of fits and starts, CARB says the program will begin accepting applications this month.

December 5 - Streetsblog California

Vintage multi-story brick apartment building and modern concrete and glass apartment building separated by a steep public stairway in Los Angeles, California.

Analysis: Localized Upzoning Less Effective

Changing zoning rules for a small number of parcels can increase land values and housing costs without boosting the housing supply.

December 5 - Governing

Acela Amtrak train in station in New Haven, Connecticut.

Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024

More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.

December 5 - Smart Cities Dive

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.