Is Suburban Living The Secret To Happiness?

A recent survey in Britain discovers that suburban dwellers are happy with their lot, countering the view that UK residents take a negative view of life in the suburbs.

1 minute read

August 4, 2006, 2:00 PM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Acacia Avenue" is the quintessential suburban street, evoking images of leafy gardens, cars in driveways, and nosy neighbors. "The name has been used in sitcoms and films and even features in a song by Iron Maiden."

While some Brits might find the thought of life on Acacia Avenue a drag, a new poll shows that residents of the suburbs are quite content.

"People living in Acacia Avenues are happy with their lives, rarely get divorced and have been in the same job for 11 years, according to a three-month survey of more than 200 people living in 15 Acacia Avenues."

"The findings may provide some comfort for the Government, which aims to instigate a suburban renaissance and increase housing density, particularly around the edges of built-up areas, in order to counter the housing shortage and to develop sustainable communities."

Friday, July 21, 2006 in The Times (London)

Young Professional

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

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

October 14, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Cars driving under automatic congestion pricing toll machines on Broadway next to the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan, New York City.

Data reveals that NYC’s bet on congestion pricing has paid off

After almost two years of the program, reports show positive impacts on traffic and air quality and no disruptions to parking.

October 13, 2026 - Marcelo Remond

A crane lifts a manufactured house, with is rectangular and does not yet have a roof.

HUD modernizes 50-year-old manufactured housing framework

The Next Generation Manufactured Housing Action Plan establishes new energy-efficiency standards for manufactured homes, and new guidelines for anchoring them.

October 8, 2026 - Boston Real Estate Times

People bike and jog through a park in Florida.

Florida could lose billions in funding for infrastructure, parks

If Amendment 3 passes, Miami-Dade would lose about $445 million annually by fiscal year 2028-29.

October 19 - NBC Miami

A rendering of Meta's proposed data center. We see the large gray buildings from above.

New Mexico spent millions drafting climate goals. Data centers are unraveling them

Three data centers in New Mexico and El Paso will release more emissions yearly than 2 million cars in the same timeframe.

October 19 - El Paso Matters

An aerial view of Dayton with a river and many trees visible

This Ohio town is using AI to speed up transit analysis

The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority’s new AI tool correctly determined riders’ preferred ways to reach key commuter routes.

October 19 - Cities Today