In The Suburbs, Kids Are Too Expensive

The cost of educating children has made suburbs so expensive to run that many of the people who run them are trying to keep the school-age population down.

1 minute read

August 14, 2003, 6:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

The situation in... [Lopatcong Township, N.J], where enrollment in the town's only elementary school has almost doubled since 1995, illustrates a tension deeply felt in fast-growing areas from here to California as the cost of education turns the social logic of the suburbs upside down. Havens for families are expensive to run, and many of the people who run them are trying to draw childless couples, single people, retirees anybody but children... 'It shows that the economics of the suburbs are out of phase with the original purpose of the suburbs.' "

Thanks to Daniel Naundorf

Read the full story: Great Haven for Families, but Don't Bring Children

Wednesday, August 13, 2003 in The New York Times

Housing New Jersey

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

Start Learning

Advertise with us

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.