The American suburbs are better than you think

https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/the-american-suburbs-are-better-than

by bilsbie • 9 days ago

3 1 9 days ago

The American style of suburbia is really the problem. Suburbs in other countries are often built so that existing outside of a car isn’t loud, unpleasant, and dangerous.

The suburb as a concept isn’t flawed at all. It’s the implementation details that are its downfall.

It would have been trivial to make small changes to the design like deciding that parking lots go in the back of the big box stores instead of in front of the street, or limiting the size of corporate signage so that every suburb doesn’t look like the famous Breezewood PA photograph.

I’ll admit there are pleasantries about the American suburbs. I find them a good place to visit and then leave. They have their conveniences and they even have unique businesses and attractions that you can’t get on the same scale in a city. Zoos, shopping malls, botanical gardens, expansive parks, etc. A lot of categories of interesting businesses just don’t really work when land value is too high.

But while I’m visiting, usually my body physically feels worse. Everywhere you go is another 20 minute sit down session in the car. The restaurants that are most prevalent are all corporate chain junk food stuffed with salt and sugar. If I stay long enough I home feeling bloated and miserable. Urban area obesity statistics essentially confirm my anecdote.

Standing outside a big box shopping center is loud and hot with no tree cover. Walking between Walmart and Home Depot seems like it should be possible in theory but it feels like breaking the law when you actually do it. Back in the car!

It’s a real culture shock coming from somewhere where going to school or work means walking on a wide sidewalk next to a two lane road where cars are traveling at 20 mph at most.

The American suburbs are better than you think

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