Sweet Spot Density for Livable Neighborhoods

Single-family detached homes typically epitomize sprawl, while 4 or 5 story apartment buildings now seem to be the utopian ideal for livable neighborhoods. But some of the most livable and walkable neighborhoods I know are largely comprised of single family homes.

2 minute read

December 30, 2008, 3:37 PM PST

By Diana DeRubertis


Single-family detached homes typically epitomize sprawl, while 4 or 5 story apartment buildings now seem to be the utopian ideal for livable neighborhoods. But some of the most livable and walkable neighborhoods I know are largely comprised of single family homes.

This is sprawl?

University Heights - Lincoln AveUniversity Heights, San Diego, CA

This is an early 20th-Century streetcar suburb lined with craftsman homes (many of which have in-law units in back) interspersed with row houses and smaller apartment buildings. Located within blocks of traditional business districts, the neighborhood has well-maintained sidewalks and service alleyways throughout. University Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods are urban in character, with multi-story dwellings clustered closer to commercial streets. Motor vehicle traffic is typically quite low; pedestrians and bicyclists abound. Open space could be better, though the neighborhood has its own park and is only a mile from Balboa Park - a large urban park.



There is an overall feeling of serenity and adequate breathing space.



This type of residential arrangement is seen in small cities and towns throughout the country, as well as the first-ring suburbs of many metropolitan areas. Transit is often a missing link in these older areas; in most cases, rail and streetcars are long gone.

But this is not sprawl?


Fenton Parkway, San Diego, CA
Fenton Parkway



This is the sort of cookie cutter housing that is popping up all over Southern California. It is high-density, autocentric suburban. Although these subdivisions are placed near transit and shopping (i.e., malls), many are logistically disconnected from these services. Car density seems to be at least as high as housing density. Functional park space and public open space are near zero, as much of the land is designated for housing and car storage.

The feeling is congested and claustrophobic.

Many of the problems associated with neighborhood #2 stem from its car-oriented framework and a serious lack of park space. If people are going to live in stacked apartments, sufficient space for outdoor recreation is essential, as is a safe framework for walking and biking.

In my experience, authentic neighborhoods like University Heights are some of the most walkable in the country, although inadequate foot traffic at night can be a safety concern on purely residential streets. Even without rail, these areas provide access and mobility because they are both centrally-located and designed for pedestrians.

So, which neighborhood density is the most livable? At what point is quality of life reduced due to overcrowding? Or does it all come down to good neighborhood design?


Diana DeRubertis

Diana DeRubertis is an environmental writer with a strong interest in urban planning, a field that is intertwined with so many of today's environmental challenges. Diana received an M.A. and Ph.D. degree in Geography from the University of California at Berkeley, where she specialized in climate change science and policy. She also holds a B.S. degree in interdisciplinary environmental sciences from the University of Pittsburgh.

portrait of professional woman

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 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 Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

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.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing