Suburban areas have long been characterized as being socially isolating -- keeping many residents indoors and insulated from socializing or even knowing their closest neighbors. But a new study argues that cities are actually more socially isolating.
"A new study says that people who live in sprawling suburban areas have more friends, better community involvement and more frequent contact with their neighbors than urbanites who are wedged in side-by-side. The results challenge the accepted idea that suburban life is socially alienating."
"The study, released by the University of California at Irvine, found that for every 10 per cent decrease in population density, the chances of people talking to their neighbors weekly increases by 10 per cent, and the likelihood they belong to hobby-based clubs jumps by 15 per cent."
FULL STORY: Burbs not so bad after all
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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.
New York City School Construction Authority
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Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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