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
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Trump Approves Futuristic Automated Texas-Mexico Cargo Corridor
The project could remove tens of thousands of commercial trucks from roadways.
Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
Eliminating the requirement for two staircases in multi-story residential buildings lets developers use smaller lots and more flexible designs to create denser housing.
Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)