A new study finds that living in Toronto's suburbs may actually be more expensive than in the central city.
For years, homebuyers have been drawn to Toronto's suburban frontier by the promise of lower housing costs or the idea of "getting more house for your money". But a new study by the Neptis Foundation, a regional planning and transportation think-tank, suggests that the lower costs of living in the suburbs are largely illusory. The study found that the increased costs of commuting long distances as well as maintaining a larger house on a larger lot tend to eat up any initial savings on the price of a suburban home. In fact, when all factors are considered the annual cost of living in a home in the suburbs appears to be considerably greater than living in a comparable home in the central city. Furthermore, the study did not account for non-monetary costs such as the time lost while caught in traffic or the social and environmental costs of sprawl development and traffic congestion.
Thanks to Geoffrey Singer
FULL STORY: Life in suburbia costs more than you'd think

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie