Why We Need Suburbia

Suburban growth has kept our cities livable while they expand, and attempts to limit suburban growth ignore important historical trends, writes Joel Kotkin.

1 minute read

January 30, 2006, 10:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"The primacy of suburbia, in California or elsewhere, should really not be very debatable. Roughly 51 percent of Americans, according to one recent survey, prefer to live in the suburbs, while only 13 percent opt for life in a dense urban place. A third would opt for an even more low-density existence in the countryside. The preference for suburban-style living continues to be particularly strong among younger families.

Market trends parallel these opinions. Despite widespread media exposure about a supposed return to the city, the most recent demographic data suggest that the tide continues to go out toward suburbia. The most recent census data tell us that suburbs account for two-thirds of the total population in large metropolitan areas. Nor is the trend going away: Roughly 85 percent of all post-2000 growth has taken place in the suburbs."

Thanks to Joel Kotkin

FULL STORY: In Praise of Subrubs

Sunday, January 29, 2006 in The San Francisco Chronicle

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