It's not the "suburb" that is bad, it's the car-dependent suburb. I live in a very transit and walkable suburb in Toronto and cannot imagine living anywhere else. We hate visiting friends that have moved to car hells because there's literally nothing to do but sit in their living rooms and if we want to go somewhere everyone has to hop into their own cars.
'car dependent' suburb? So replace it with timetable dependent busses and trams that are fixed to a set route? There are many cities with nothing in it so cars are not the problem
@@gorgthesalty yeah, those big decorative lawns and trees are horrible. Backyards, pools, the smell of fresh cut grass and clover, sleepouts in the backyard with the neighborhood kids-all part of suburban living that can make childhood fun. And those vicious squirrels and birds… What about city kids’ play spaces; are parks in the city safe for children anymore? Vacant lots or your high rise’s private ‘play area’? Community centers and schoolyards? Forget it unless you’re looking to buy. If US suburbs are ‘horribly isolated’ how do millions of people commute to work (round trip) in less than an hour? If working from home(in any neighborhood) is such ‘hell’ why are so many employees fighting tooth and nail not to return to the office? That probably includes city dwellers too. And those ‘third places’ spoken of in this clip. Would those include restaurants with liquor licenses, bars, convenience stores, tattoo shops, nail salons? Would anyone like one of those next door in those ‘mixed use’ zones?
@@gorgthesalty Exactly right, small town living is really a much more nurturing environment for people in general I think. I’m not sure that’s an argument for inner city living; just in the numbers, a suburb more closely functions as a smaller town than the urban center does. I also agree that parks offer little for older kids; that’s why private yards are so valuable for cookouts and family get-togethers for all ages. The burbs are great for older kids who want to be outdoors where there are hiking/biking/jogging trails. Where is that available in the city? Where do kids go to just sit on their bikes and hang safely? How people isolate themselves is a function of that person or family unit, not of fenced yards or where you live. Isolated people are not suddenly going to turn into the weekly block party hosts just because they move. Young people can’t separate from their devices long enough to even realize there’s a world outside the house. We won’t discuss the cost of city living if your plan is to buy a decent home of your own. Even groceries at the mom-and-pop grocers. Home Insurance rates, crime rates, noise level, the social issues around homelessness and addiction- are any of these important things better in the city? Personal lifestyle choices are too broad to say that one is ‘better’ than another. It’s all subjective.
This. I see it all the time in my suburb. Just not usually in the actual neighborhood but along the arterial roads adjoining them. People that grew up there too, and of course inside people's homes that you'd never know about.
Most people today cant even afford a house so they dont even have the benefit of living in a suburb. They are trapped living in a shoebox apartment overpriced and dreaming of having the space and solitude of a house.
But people are miserable because they have to spend money on cars to get anywhere thus unable to save for a house, which leads to more car dependent development.
Trapped in their parent's house bc the area is too expensive or have to live with tons of roommates, or an overpriced apartment in a depressing apartment complex, or a tiny overpriced studio in the dirty, crime-ridden car-dependent urban center.
I'm writing a college paper on American Car Culture's impact on Architectural Theory and will use this video as a source. Very good points made, you killed it!
This is so depressing. The people that wrote municipal codes are engineers that don’t understand human behavior. American suburbs are truly depressing.
What is depressing for you is paradise for others, not everyone wants to live in a chaotic place full of noises and crime. Suburbs are peaceful, no pollution and away from the impertinence and rudeness of most people.
Since moving to the US I never thought about the missing 3rd Place until now. This explains why it's been so difficult to build a community as an adult in my suburb.
or, you are afraid to walk to your neighbors door and ask them to come over and barbecue. I grew up with block parties and knowing every one of my neighbors and all the children in the neighborhood. I was in a 'car-centric' neighborhood next to a mid sized city with good transit and free bussing for children. Word to the wise, In America it's okay to be directly friendly, especially if you are a European. If you catch the right person, you might even be friends for life. Community branches are different in America because when we move for work, we often upend ourselves 1,000 miles away. White people have started disbanding from the American core, because it doesn't answer our grievances, so that will always play a part in who you meet nowadays. So you will find community but not with democrat voting sycophants. They have no care for community or the concept of 'high trust societies'. If you want that you will have to go to Whiter areas. Not mixed areas. Mixed areas naturally create low social trust. And city dwellers often don't know their neighbors in the slightest but claim they care more about their community simply because they occupy the ruins of what White people built for themselves and their progeny. It's like blacks claiming neighborhoods were historically black just cause White flight left mass vacancies that they then occupied. No inner city/historic neighborhood was built by blacks. The buildings are the leftover buildings that Whites abandoned decades ago for greener pastures in high trust societies. Low trust Detroit to High trust Grand Rapids is a great example of prosperity following high trust society. Blacks did a race riot that ruined Detroit forever and Whites created Grand Rapids out've the aftermath. Despite being much smaller Grand Rapids excels. It's not the magic land, or magic resources, seems it is the magic people with a magic mindset advocating for their own. Grand Rapids is a great place to make friends. Detroit,,,, not so much... Choose high trust societies and you will have an easier time. In summation your 'community' feeling might be more nuanced than you think.
@@smplfi9859 I appreciate your perspective on the influence of mindset and trust in building communities. While I agree they play a role, I also believe that factors like cultural diversity, economic opportunities, shared interests, and community initiatives contribute significantly. In diverse neighborhoods, embracing different backgrounds can enhance the sense of community, and initiatives that bring people together create a stronger bond beyond just trust. It's a combination of these factors that truly makes a neighborhood vibrant and connected.
@@Alekobeats I have to agree with you, and as you mentioned immigrating, I notice in a lot of places there's still a stigma around immigrants which is really sad given how pretty much all Americans have been born to immigrants (parents, grandparents, great grandparents), and the perspectives and cultures people bring with them are what make America so lovely. I really appreciate the people who come here with the mind to actually see it for what it is and want to change this place for the better instead of living complacently in the shitty system because what's familiar is comfortable.
I think this is why me and my friends were mall rats in the 90's. It was our 3rd place. These days malls are dead or dying now... thanks to online shopping.
@@bruceh4180i can see it being designed that way, but it is more of a place for on the go people who need their caffeine or a pit stop for teenagers. Most people who do stay are working.
People from third world countries (like me), will understand perfectly this video. Our homes are together with stores and everything else. We don’t have suburban exclusive with homes like here in the US. We are always in contact with people. We’re never isolated or stuck in home. For me it was very difficult to adapt to the suburban life in the United States
Same here. Moved to the US for a better life only to realize that better life is an illusion and even illegal. I guess at least there are plenty of career opportunities.
I couldn’t agree more! It’s incredibly frustrating when we severely under invest in cities and then complain that they have problems. Suburbs don’t solve problems, they just run away from the problems and filter out poor people.
I am from Europe and therefore I live in the typical European suburb. I also spend a half year living in a typical US suburb. So, I think I can give a fair comparison. And honestly: I would any time and any day prefer to live in an US suburb than a European one. Living in a European suburb mostly results living in a tiny, expensive, and noisy concrete apartment block surrounded by commercial use. The view you have is mostly the façade of the next apartment block. If you want to around, you need to take the public transportation system, since a lot of European government (mine included) try to reduce the car use of habitants. In my country the public transportation system is extremely expensive and overcrowded at rush hour. It even gets more complicated if I want to get out of town. Wanting to visit the mountains take me three trains and two busses and not to forget a lot of money. When I studied abroad, I lived in a middle-class suburb. The first thing, which absolutely surprised me, was how much more space and value you get on the American housing market. What my parents paid for a tiny, small, and old apartment (without garage or anything else), the family I stayed with, paid for a spacious and relatively new (2005) house with a garage and big garden. Another thing I absolutely loved about the US suburbs, is the quietness and peacefulness around your house. There is no to little traffic on the streets, no commercial buildings or large construction sites, while where I live it is the complete opposite. Also, accessing third places is not as bad as often described. Within a five minutes card drive, we were at a large mall, where you would get anything, you would need. Speaking about transportation; the ability to hope into your car at any time and basically get wherever you want to give you a unique sense of freedom. I would go to state and national parks, do road trips, or simply get some late-night snacks. Where I live, the daily commuting, just leaves me tired and exhausted. These are just my two cents and one reason for my preference is probably due to the fact that I am an introvert.
@@ceooflonelinessinc.267Using a car is (relatively) inexpensive for a single event. *Owning* a car and using it for daily commutes, supply runs, and getting *anywhere* ends up costing the average American about a thousand bucks a month (that's car, fuel, maintenance, registrations, taxes & fees, and insurance). The suburbs turns into one of those survival video games if your car breaks down because what's a five or ten minute drive by car is a 30 minute walk on roads not at all designed for foot traffic.
@@ceooflonelinessinc.267 you had a chance to compare different lifestyles. This is unique and great experience that allowed you to make conscious choice. Wonderful that you find place you like. But some people prefer to be around other ppl and enjoy taking trains. American ppl cannot make comparison you made. My coworkers are dreaming about moving to cottage in a woods and I prefer city center. We both wish each other success and acknowledge different preferences. No one is having issues with me to prefer public transit when I say I am not against cars but car dependence and forcing everyone to drive including those who should not drive due to anxiety or anger issues among others. I am not introvert so being away from other people makes me as upset as you were in apartment. I prefer to have apartment over house because this is my lifestyle and my choice. My time in car dependent places wad dreadful. I felt trapped but again this is me.
As a gen Z I don’t want to live in car-dependent suburbs, and don’t want the USA to keep building suburbs, what can I do? Are there any petitions I can sign?
Finally someone said it! I have been saying this to myself for years since I moved to the states. Suburbs are convenient for families since the cities are planned that way but people try to hide the fact how incredibly boring and monotonous they are.
Brilliant video! We moved from cookie cutter suburbia to the country. While we're surrounded by nature, neighbors still stay indoors, no common places and even MORE car dependant. We'll be living in a small village in Italy starting this next year. Yes, I speak Italian ;)
@@AndroidPoetryyes it does. It’s lack of architectural value. There’s a reason why cities like Prague are famous and the common, American suburb is not.
@@AndroidPoetryI've always thought the same. I don't mind a place being cookie cutter or even "boring". Don't get me wrong, American suburban design is absolutely dystopian and abhorrent, but being "cookie cutter" is not why.
I’ve been a city dweller downtown for most of my life since my mid 20s, tried living in the suburbs for five years, and just absolutely hated it. I didn’t fit and couldn’t relate and got bored with strip, malls, busy highway type streets, and clone type stores and chain restaurants everywhere. Moved back to the city downtown in a great condo and a wonderful neighborhood in downtown Detroit. Just love it., walk abd bike to everything, which is much healthier than driving constantly. The nicest thing is almost all the people in my condo building have the same type of urban interest, yet very diverse. To each their own and depending how your life takes you of course , it may be more advantageous to the suburban environment for school and things like that but for myself, there’s just no comparison, living in the city so close to so many different things that I want and so diverse, keeps me feeling alive. I do keep a small cabin up in northern Michigan on a small lake, I do love nature enormously, I just can’t stand what sits in between the city and the northern Woods. Have it to get away from it all when I need to, but always can’t wait to get back to the city , to feel alive again. The other advantage here is at Michigan is reasonable real estate wise, I could never do this on either coasts financially.
You have what’s called privilege to be in this position. Remember that and stay humble. Not everyone can have the best of both worlds. I’m jealous but happy for you! 😊
Just avoid cookie cutter suburbs. Those homes aren’t built to last either. There are plenty of suburbs in America that don’t suck and are not lifeless.
Our perception changes according to where we are in our life. I am born and raised in NYC and spent the first 44 years of my life smack dab in the middle of it. I loved every second. Then I was ready for something else and moved to the burbs. It feels entirely different to me than the way you described it. It's warm and cozy and definitely communal. I will always be a city girl, but I can't imagine giving up the beauty and tranquility of the burbs. I'm here to stay!
As a 34 husband with a beautiful wife and father of a 1 year old boy I can said that I’m totally agree with you, I’ve been living my entire adult life in Los Angeles and at this point of my life I just want peace and space.
I agree. I grew up in the suburbs. It was a safer environment as a kid. But now I’m older and live in the city. Fast paced, easy to get around and a ton to do. Perfect for now but I’m sure when i get older, i will want to go back to the suburbs where it’s quiet lol
It doesn't have to be a busy city to have that "3rd space" though. I'm sure you've heard of master planned communities which the good ones will have a mini town of sorts within the gated neighborhood that includes shopping strip, entertainment space, food etc.
I grew up in a “streetcar suburb” called “the fan” in Richmond Virginia. This neighborhood was idyllic for me as a child because I enjoyed many third place, could walk, bike, and drive, and I felt safe while still being able to experience.
@@jared1861 Depends on your needs. If you dont have a car it is AWFUL! If you are single, being close to or in the city is GREAT! If you are starting or have a family and you have a job close to where you live and are settled in life, the burbs arent too bad.
There definitely needs to be a change to reduce our car dependency, but in the meantime I think selecting for smaller and cheaper cars can help, also 2 seater and 1 seater cars and motorcycles.
I lived in the suburbs for 7 years and moved to downtown LA 2 1/2 years ago... i've never been so miserable! I meet the worst people and it just sucks. On top of it I pay $4,500 rent for a one bedroom. If my store wasn't so close by I'd flee this area and move back to the suburbs.
I feel bad cause I live in a city but I’m so burned out living here. I don’t really wanna spend my time going out anymore cause I’m autistic and I have sensory overload. I wanna live somwhere alone so I can gather my thoughts for a few years.
Tons of houses and no businesses actually lowers property value in Europe. No facilities means less liveable. They should also consider building more 3-4 floor complexes to save room.
@@laurie7689 It's a preventive measure. Also, apartment complexes lead to shorter distances. Imagine how much surface + nature it will take to solve the housing crisis with single family homes.
@@laurie7689Location, location, location. All space isn’t equal. Most people want to live in or near a specific few locations that many other people also want to live in or near. Popular places should look their part. You can always choose to live somewhere less popular, it’s up to you. You shouldn’t have to choose a place you don’t want to live in just because the popular places have been deemed full and there’s no reason to save room because the USA has the Midwest.
I am from Europe and therefore I live in the typical European suburb. I also spend a half year living in a typical US suburb. So, I think I can give a fair comparison. And honestly: I would any time and any day prefer to live in an US suburb than a European one. Living in a European suburb mostly results living in a tiny, expensive, and noisy concrete apartment block surrounded by commercial use. The view you have is mostly the façade of the next apartment block. If you want to around, you need to take the public transportation system, since a lot of European government (mine included) try to reduce the car use of habitants. In my country the public transportation system is extremely expensive and overcrowded at rush hour. It even gets more complicated if I want to get out of town. Wanting to visit the mountains take me three trains and two busses and not to forget a lot of money. When I studied abroad, I lived in a middle-class suburb. The first thing, which absolutely surprised me, was how much more space and value you get on the American housing market. What my parents paid for a tiny, small, and old apartment (without garage or anything else), the family I stayed with, paid for a spacious and relatively new (2005) house with a garage and big garden. Another thing I absolutely loved about the US suburbs, is the quietness and peacefulness around your house. There is no to little traffic on the streets, no commercial buildings or large construction sites, while where I live it is the complete opposite. Also, accessing third places is not as bad as often described. Within a five minutes card drive, we were at a large mall, where you would get anything, you would need. Speaking about transportation; the ability to hope into your car at any time and basically get wherever you want to give you a unique sense of freedom. I would go to state and national parks, do road trips, or simply get some late-night snacks. Where I live, the daily commuting, just leaves me tired and exhausted. These are just my two cents and one reason for my preference is probably due to the fact that I am an introvert.
I think it is perfect to live in a suburb close to a city because you can enjoy all the amenities of the cities when you so desire and also enjoy nature, peace and quiet if you wish. You have the best of both worlds ( urban and rural) available. Besides walking around sucks when it is freezing or pouring or is a hundred degrees or if you have a bunch of groceries to carry. That being said, driving and parking suck too but are usually worse in urban areas.
My city is certainly not the best, but I appreciate that we have actual houses and direct access to downtown even on the edge of city bounds, regardless of the poverty and crime that make it a tad harder to hang out around the neighborhoods. It's a little sad to see the state of some places, but my area has some real potential and I'm glad it's not being 'fixed' right away because right now I think the folks around here think gentrification is fixing things
Coming from a suburb to living in the city is 1000x different. I'm much more social and have many more friends now than I did just sitting on my couch staring at a TV every evening. It really is a huge shift and I can't imagine ever being in a lifeless suburb again.
Or you live in what people call a suburb but is actually a small city. Places like say Plano TX are rated one of the better places to live in the nation for good reason.
Yet Japan -- even with their world-class public transit and super-dense walkable cities, with ample 3rd places in the form of neighborhood pubs/shops/cafés -- has sky-high rates of loneliness, overwork, and suicide, and abysmal numbers on marriage, family formation, and childbirth.
@@Zalis116People will never truly be Happy under capitalism people should realize this. Japan is better at urban planning however there ultra capitalistic system and work culture is what is killing the Japanese population.
@@nct_exx Urbanists promise that better transit and denser / more-walkable city layouts will bring greater social connection and cohesion. Japan is a clear counter-example to that promise. If the answer is that "urbanism can never fail, it can only be failed," then what we have here is a cult mentality.
Suburbs themselves aren’t the problem, they’ve been around for thousands of years. It how they’re planned that need to be changed, so that having a car becomes a choice rather than a necessity. Google European suburbs to get an idea of what I’m talking about. They’re a little more compact and all or at least most of your basic amenities - grocery stores, health clinics, libraries, civic buildings, schools, office spaces, etc. are within walking distance. Which means that trips don’t typically take longer than 15 minutes (even without a car). If it does take longer, good, high frequency public transit should be easily accessible. This shouldn’t be exclusive to inner cities. This is how America used to build suburbs anyway, but thanks to the scheming and lobbying of the auto industry, every city in America has had their public transit systems gutted, neighborhoods destroyed or split in half and replaced with more lanes for cars… Displacing many (poor) people. And I haven’t even mentioned the financial viability of car-dependent developments… I type all of this to say that this problem is a lot more complex and nuanced than most people realize
@@kwasiahenkora6583 I agree, I lived in a suburban area in UK, houses dated from 1920 but at least they have reasonably good commuting system based on buses. Better than Latin America suburbs indeed... Safer and cleaner.
@@joecortizo people who live in suburbs in the US don't want any busses or trains run near them because that usually bring problems like homeless people and crime. I actually did paper on it awhile back. In US suburbs are designed on purpose to be away from the noise crime and bad air pollution that you usually get in the city.
I live in Argentina, 8th largest country in the world. From the capital to the small towns our cities are walkable and you have a lot of ‘third places’ available for you; of course the larger the city, the more options you’ll have. And if you want to live in US-like suburbs, you can 100% do it too in places that are called “countries”. The key is to have the option to choose the lifestyle that makes you happier, the power to decide. We may not be the richest and our system may not be as developed as in the Netherlands, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have still good places to be around.
Oh man, Argentina is on my dream list I hope to visit one day. What a fascinating history too. My Spanish professor in university was from Argentina which made me want to go even more. Agree with you on the last paragraph. My family is from Monterrey, Mexico which is very walkable, beautiful, and growing so beautifully compared to my city Houston, TX. 3rd metro line opened up and 2 more are in the works. But our country also gets labeled as underdeveloped (despite being 15th largest economy) because of the 5 states with rampant cartel issues and our national road system isn’t as good as the US. The suburbia here is just so plain and boring though.
Thank you for making this video and spreading the word. I live in Texas, which is probably the most car dependent state in north America. I wish to live in a urban city.
@@Ary-vr1pu I moved FROM NYC. There is generally been a net amount of people moving out of NYC for several years now. On balance people don't agree with this. People vote with their pocketbook. 1. High Crime. Super high. 2. High Taxes. NYC has its own special tax. 3. Lack of quiet. NYC is so noisy. 4. Lack of health. NYC is so dirty - the subway is filled with rat poison and garbage. 5. Cost. NYC is hella expensive. You could own two cars for less then a 1500 square foot place rented out.
I live in the Netherlands, and I often cycle 10 miles just to get to my sibling's house. I call it being lazy. I don't have to take buses or cars; I just cycle. This means I get to spend time alone without needing to do additional workouts. Best of all, it's free! One of my favorite things is going into the bakery for bread and having some social interaction. I also love cycling to the grocery store just around the corner to buy fruit and yogurt, etc. I didn't appreciate everything as much until I saw videos like these. I hope we can all strive for better laws with more nature, more social interaction (hopefully more cycling), and more encouragement to go out and play and get home before the street lights turn on so Mom doesn't get too worried.
You are so right . Having had a childhood home in a downtown neighbourhood and having to move to a brand new suburb that was mind numbing and soulless left me lonely and depressed. There weren’t any trees or sidewalks so nowhere to really walk and no one to see. The rules and restrictions need to change.
I don't mind my suburb because it's an older one (early 1900s) that's right next to a city. So, a city's offerings are easily available while I get to enjoy the quiet at night.
I wish we played more into streetcars/ trains and rails and just connected a line through the suburbs and to the city, just one direct line per suburb even. It wouldn't be a perfect fix, but even just some alternative to being able to drive would help immensely for those unable to.
I'm 29 y/o married. I used to think that cities were so cool especially in the movies. After somewhat experienced living in the city I never wanted to live there anymore. Small town living is the one for me!
I want to change the normal suburb so bad. God willing I will be part of making that change by developing neighborhoods that have theirs places, bikeable and walkable places. Not every suburb has to look like miles and miles of single family homes with no sidewalks and no way to go anywhere except by car.
I’ve lived in a major city all my life and I’m sick of it. I hate sharing walls with my neighbors, loud college kids partying at 11 pm at night, and parallel street parking every day hoping nobody hits my car. I recently moved to the suburbs and I couldn’t be happier. It’s very peaceful, exceptionally quiet, my own driveway, and a big back yard where I can admire the trees and my garden in peace and privacy. If I had it my way and if it was financially feasible, I would rather live in the countryside where my backyard is the edge of the forest. I think people do not necessarily hate the idea of suburban living, it’s the zoning laws, HOA’s and the oversized neighborhoods that people hate. You can’t make it your own identity. Every house looks the same cuz that’s the law unfortunately.
The pandemic turned many homes into prisons without bars per 'working from home'. What the hell do these people DO? Residents hardly go anywhere anymore, autos parked outside all day on the driveway. For me, a complete established town and main street was in Pasadena California.
The DC area has a lot of those street care suburbs. You can drive, take public transport, and just walk down the block to get what you need. It's nice to have so many options that are easily accessible.
Actually, I love the suburbs, not in an HOA. But HOAs are backlash against those who want to crush zoning laws. If zoning laws aren't upheld, HOAs are the results. Because a lot of people like the suburbs
what do you specifically like about the post-WW2 suburbs, as opposed to other types of suburbs? the post-WW2 style is literally the worst type of suburb design.
@@Ryan-093 what is not to love about post WW2 suburbs? I mean maybe it's not for everyone but a lot of people love it. The houses were reasonable and affordable, a nice yard, wide streets. All residential so the traffic isn't too bad.
@@michah321people love it because most of them had never lived abroad. European suburbs are amazing: walkable, bike lanes, stores and cafes within walking distance, trams and buses nearby.
@@00_UU Americans who love how their suburbs are want them to be the way they are, not small cities with commercial business in residential areas. You don't need bike lanes in a suburb, the roads are wide. People who love the suburbs don't want to walk to the store. They have a vehicle they want to use
@@michah321 Your comment has so much ignorance I don't even know what to say. People don't want convenience and safety? Bike lanes serve a purpose, they invite more cycling and provide drivers and cyclists with better safety. Easy walk to a local grocery store is enjoyable and replaces your exercise at the gym. Do people living in suburbs love being stuck in constant traffic jams? I surely do not, I would walk to my local grocery store if I had one nearby
I live in a highly walkable neighborhood with a mix of urban condos and stand-alone houses. We have several commercial strips with restaurants, bars, small shops, and grocers. We also have parks and beaches, all within a walkable, and definitely bikeable distance. public transportation is abundant too. I guess that's why I've lived in the same neighborhood my entire adult life, and plan to retire here in the next year or so. The downsides are that parking is limited and we have cold weather, particularly in winter and spring.
I had no idea for so much of my life while my environment was so depressing. I always considered the suburbs just the default living situation. I've loved living in more urban areas in apartments with lots of human activity and want even more people friendly neighborhoods.
I just moved out of my parents house in the suburbs into an apartment on the main street of a small town. While it’s not perfect, I have many places I can walk to and see some familiar faces. It has definitely helped my partner and I let off steam when we need to.
You have great insights. I totally agree with you. There is nothing living in the suburb unless you drive. Nothing is walking friendly. Nothing. North American value privacy too much and they end up having a high depression rate in the country😂
I live in a typical American suburb I. Florida and I walk around it almost every day so I don’t have issues walking around it other than watching for cars for when I need to cross the street
@@ameraboukoura6091yeah but could you buy a loaf of bread or walk to see a friend without needing to drive? You can’t live in an American suburb without needing a car. You are a slave to your car. Cars are expensive, polluting, and driving is the most dangerous activity you can do on a daily basis.
the comment section did not pass the vibe check. seems like your video got sent to the wrong side of the algorithm, they all sound like boomers 😭😭 as someone studying planning you hit all the points well.
he has his points the problem is labeling the suburbs as being lonely and depressing🤷♂🤷♂🤷♂ both city life and suburbs has pros and cons and just because you're in the city doesn't mean you can't be lonely or depress.
@@JETER911 yeah but hes not completely wrong tho.. theres a reason why the US and Canada are having a loneliness epidemic. it’s because most suburbs are built in a way that doesn’t have an accessible 3rd place and needs a car to participate in society or access a third place which has become more rare. the point of the video is not to make everywhere a Chicago or a New York, but to make suburbs more interesting, gently dense, and more accessible. as social beings we need more human interaction, even in our living spaces. European cities are great examples of that.
@@iSevenSimmer I dont know about the U.S but Canada has a pretty good transit system all around the city, if one is having a problem getting around then that's totally on that person to get their shit together and figure that out if they wanna get around the city, Id say its all in the mindset,... environments cant fully change you and your personal problems, changes starts with you, if you always have a pesimist outlook on life then it doesnt matter where you live. I've lived and experienced both suburbs and the city life. Personally it doesnt change my perspective that much cuz like I said both has pros and cons, tho I dont speak for everyone here. I think people these days are forgetting to be humble, feel blessed you got a roof over your head, and have the luxury of life. A lot out there are suffering so remember learn to be greatful.
@@iSevenSimmerThe loneliness epidemic has way more to do with social media and the internet then Suburbs being car dependent. I mean the suburbs have been car dependent for decades yet the loneliness epidemic is more recent. I agree with the other commenter. The issue is mainly him labeling them as lonely and depressing. When many of us from poorer neighbourhoods would love to live in those cookie cutter houses and have truly experience turmoil living conditions. It’s almost like hearing a rich kid complain about the car they got gifted for their birthday. That said he does have some valid points about walk ability, store locations.
I don't drive and I'm staying at my brother's place in a suburb. I'm hating it so much for all these aspects you brought up. It's certainly depressing and has an opressive atmosphere despite being so open and vast. I don't feel comfortable doing my daily walks.
As a Russian, I'd rather live in a suburb rather than a Khruschevka. That typical housing of ours is a disaster. Most of those haven't been renovated for years and look quite depressing. Walls are usually very thin - they wouldn't break if you hit them like in America, but it's enough for you to hear your neighbors if they are making any noise louder than average. Also, Khruschevkas are at least 5 stories high, and usually it is 3-6 people living in one flat. Imagine if one would forget to turn off the gas tap. That's gonna be a disaster for the whole house. I mean, driving everyday to your destination and living in a place where you are surrounded by the same houses doesn't sound like a great experience, but it sounds a lot better than what I've described above.
American walls don’t break if you punch them like in movies, you’d have to run and throw your shoulder at it and hope you don’t hit a stud. I guess macho guys can punch holes, but that’s their issue.
Из хрущёвки вышел, и гуляешь, где хочешь. А как с этим в субурбии? Да никак, будешь сидеть в четырёх стенах, как в тюрьме, и жёсткая зависимость от машины тоже вряд ли кого радует. Между прочим, чем чаще ездишь, тем выше риск ДТП. И каждый день колесить по однообразным дорогам, нюхая выхлопные газы, гарь, пары бензина - это удовольствие ниже среднего.
Hi there were some gas explosions in high rise flats when we started building them in UK. Councils stopped installing gas in blocks of flats because of that. Of course now many people bought their council homes (thanks to Mrs Thatcher) , so I wonder if there is a law to stop gas installation in all flats, regardless of who owns them
I think that no matter how you build your city, there are just some places that you'll have to drive. You can't just walk everywhere. It becomes tiring and time-consuming after a long time. And when time stacks up, that's a lot of walking. Where I live in Elk Grove, there are sidewalks everywhere. You can get to your destination by walking, bicycling, or driving. Everwhere I need to go is a quick 10-20 minute drive depending on where I go. It may take more time, it may take less. And I have friends everywhere! I've lived here my whole life and I can't imagine being anywhere else. Suburban life is wonderful here!
Yeah nothing really stops people from walking except their own patience. All of the main roads in Elk Grove are the same ones that were started as paths by the adjacent land settlers and even Indians hundreds of years ago when everyone walked. Golf Road and sht all show up on the 1851 map by James Reese.
Walkable cities don't make driving a pain. They make walking and cycling possible. In most American suburbs it's literally impossible to walk from your suburb to your workplace, even if you wanted to. That is the problem that the video addresses.
Elk Grove wouldn't be on a list of well designed suburbs, to be honest. It's still extremely exclusive and spread out IMO. There aren't many opportunities for folks like me who would move in from a rural area to afford anything.
It really depends, some people in the planet would love a quiet place without noise and constant changes in the environment every single year. But like you said, everything have to be balanced.
Also I think there is an underestimation that suburbs cannot be quiet when they're walkable. They're actually dead silent because there's no traffic apart from walking people.
It honest to god still depends on who you are as a person. For me, cities are exciting and fun, but I do NOT want to live in them whatsoever. I live in what people would call “cookie cutter suburbs,” but my town is gorgeous, safe, and has a sprawling community. My own hobbies have me spending time at home and with family for the most part, and I spend a lot of time calling/texting my close friends, since everyone is at the age where we go our separate ways. And guess what, I actually love driving! My own me-time where I can just chill out to some music or a podcast and just enjoy the sights. This lifestyle is perfectly fine for me, as I have plenty of options to spice it up so it’s not boring but also I can have peace in a quiet, safe town when I go to bed at night.
Feel the same. Born and raised in NYC and spent the first 44 years of my life smack dab in the middle of it. Loved every minute of it. Then I was ready for something else. I experience living in the burbs exactly the way you described it. I will always be a city girl, but can't imagine giving up the beauty and tranquility of the burbs. I'm here to stay!
that's awesome! but not everyone is you, there are a lot of people that don't want to drive everywhere, and both are okay. were not forcing you to walk or take the bus, just to stop making construction of anything else illegal. if the car dependent suburbs work for you, that's wonderful, but not everyone shares that thought.
@@Merry99745 of course, that’s why my first sentence was “it depends on who you are.” I 100% see the appeal of walkable cities and car-less worlds, and honestly, I need a break from suburb life/car world too sometimes (thank GOD, Hawaii), I just don’t like the idea that there’s an objective “better” living style. If someone doesn’t like living in the suburbs, then I hella respect the grind to find that space you find perfect (that right city or even country to move to). I personally believe we should never polarize ourselves in one direction (all suburb or all urban) we need a little diversity, not a LOT mind you, just a bit so we can spice it up and give a little bit of everything to everyone.
Great video. Very knowledgeable. Hopefully we will improve here in the U.S. and move away from auto dependent development. I’m optimistic because modern suburbs and in many cases becoming better.
No way. The government doesn’t want us healthy, active and on our feet. They need us in our cars driving to fast food chain restaurants. We’re more profitable to the government when we’re sick, getting prescribed medication in our middle age and dead before collecting social security which is about to become bankrupt. Don’t forget that. Nothing will change. Plenty of documentaries on this and NO this isn’t tin foil hat conspiracy theories 😅
I live in a suburban area. It’s a 30 minute drive on a highway to get to the nearby city with a population of 70K. There’s a mall, various McDonalds, some other stores, and a few tourist attractions. It is so incredibly boring here. Nothing to do, no one to meet. It’s just “do your thing, and go home”.
I’m a young adult still living with my parents and working at the moment. I can’t quite afford to move out on my own yet. I’ve lived in this same suburban neighborhood my entire life, and can confirm, its incredibly depressing as literally any place that I would want to hang out is at LEAST a 20 minute drive away. Most of my friends live anywhere from a 15 minute drive away to an hour or more drive away. I’m someone with pretty severe social anxiety as well, which is pretty paralyzing for me at times. All of these factors add up to make a rather isolating and miserable suburban life experience. But since I can’t afford to move out to somewhere at least a little more populated, I’m stuck just stewing in this misery. We definitely need to do some replanning of our neighborhoods. It would help so much if people had more easily accessible common places to congregate, cuz even if you didn’t want to participate in community events or hang out at the local spot, at least you have the option, especially if you’re new to the neighborhood, which would allow you to meet people.
Thank you ! you explain it very well. Florida is full of those new and depressing neighborhoods. They are building without putting any effort in bringing people together. Depressing! You explain it very well.
That is a typical newer housing development; it is not, however a ‘typical’ suburb. Many older suburbs were designed to include shopping, restaurants, churches, schools, movie theatres etc. They were designed so folks didn’t have to go into the city. I grew up in one of those suburbs and not all the houses were cookie cutter boxes; they were, however, all made of brick. Red, tan and grey with trim in every color on the wheel. I never saw another house that had the same exterior features as ours. The city bus line came out to our suburb every hour between 8 am and 6pm. Except for watching the New Year’s Day parade, dad never went into town except for work. Not everyone enjoys the congestion, noise, traffic and pace of city life. Where do you get a game of tag football going? Or throw a frisbee? Ride a bike? Not in the street that’s for sure. Do most people want a cafe, convenience store or any business next door? Your ‘streetcar suburb’ is just the older part of town and not, by definition, a suburb. It’s important to remember that many, if not most, large downtown core areas were never developed with an eye to housing the people who work there.
@@jared1861 Who’s holding you back? Many large cities are experiencing record high vacancy rates of both commercial and residential space right now. Pick one and make your dream come true. Or are you just more interested in complaining?
My neighborhood is all 2 acre lots, I love living in a quiet calm suburb setting yet being only 8 minutes from town. It’s what matters inside the home that counts. We have have different lives. Working all day, coming home and cooking dinner, spending time with family, making memories. I guess you don’t see lots outside considering how crime ridden the world is now. Safer to be inside
plus you actually get to know your couple of neighbors in your block rather than ignoring the 100 other people in your buildings. city dwellers almost never know their neighbors, they live more like gopher holes in the city. the herd mindset puts them at ease, kinda like lemmings. They are good and efficient at following. @@glowiever
@@glowieveryour government doesn't care about crime at all so you get what you have and instead of finding the solution of this issue you prefer to escape from it like nothing happened
@@ЮрийБогомолов-б8щ shit take. read about the rat utopia and gain understanding of why big cities quickly become a cesspool of degeneration, ya left wing leaning parasite.
Real!!!!!! it takes at-least 15+ minutes for me to walk outside of my neighborhood to the nearest food spot feels like 45 min because how hot it gets up here but anyways (there’s no sidewalks leading up to the food spot) we legit have to temporarily share the same path as the car in the parking lot, we live in a world for cars , NOT pedestrians
@@GeneralFrankenberry I JUST turned 22 years old and I’m just now starting my college profession. I just can’t move out my parents house into a walkable city where apartments are consistently priced at 2000 per month. People like you love to ignore all the bad things going on right now how about you show more empathy ? Yeah?
@@GeneralFrankenberry your comment is very petty and you need to realize; a car dependent society isn’t good for people like me it quite literally sucks and it’s miserable look at places like Netherlands or Germany then get back to me :)
@@GeneralFrankenberry BY THE WAY,,, studies show walkable pedestrian friendly environments are actually good for you more than depressing cookie cutter neighborhoods …. so maybe you need to stop being a keyboard warrior and get outside more and have a better social life perhaps touch some grass 😹
@manilovefrogs__8842 says the 22 year old living at home. I have a strong career, car and home. I travel and very much like having a car to go wherever and whenever i want. Sorry you don't have that opportunity. Come back to me when you have a bit more real-world experience.
It all comes down to the lack of trees and cookie cutter landscaping imo. People are not allowed, and /or don't choose to get creative with their decorative design, and the ambience suffers.
Maybe it's just different where I live, but the suburbs around where I live aren't just single family homes. Yes, single family homes are common, but so are town homes, twin homes, and apartment complexes.Heck, it seems that most of what's going up in the suburbs here are town home complexes. Why don't modern suburbs have much transit? There just isn't the demand. Most people here own a car and are used to the efficiency and flexibility of driving one. Apparently my experiences are different. I don't view suburbs much different than older primarily single house neighborhoods.
This. There are incredible amounts of videos about how cities are so great. But its a lie. Costs are much higher, crime is much greater and truthfully even entertainment is not that accessible. Back when I lived in NYC I went to Broadway about every other year. It's totally not worth it. Very expensive, lots of pick pockets etc.
"Why don't modern suburbs have much transit? There just isn't the demand." It's not just the lack of demand for it -- it's that modern suburban residents in the US specifically demand _not_ to have it. They fear that if their neighborhoods are transit-accessible from anywhere in the metro area, then Those People will come to their neighborhoods and commit crimes. It's not rational, but then again racism never was rational.
@@Zalis116 LOL. Everyone knows criminals can drive. The only one that thinks this way is wacky leftists. Suburbs don't have public transportation because it is ONLY efficient if you pack people into them. A bus is only efficient if it is mostly filled. A train is ONLY efficient if lots of people use them.
I think this video could be better if you made it specific to your city (Toronto I assume) and not “North America” which somehow left Mexico out since a lot of points you made are non applicable or just false for many cities. Then you kinda went from talking about new car dependent suburbs to downtowns? Not only way off topic but at 1:39 you showed old maps of downtown Houston and mentioned the “destruction” of Americans downtowns. Dude smh. Downtown Houston in the 70’s was half parking lot and less than 10,000 residents. 3 train lines, a ton of residential spaces (both high rise and mid rise), and tons of other amenities now exist there. Not only is that the opposite of destruction but you picked North America’s most racially diverse city to talk about “segregation by design” which isn’t just misleading, it’s an outright lie. Houston is also North America’s largest city WITHOUT zoning laws. Stick to one city and topic and make it factual rather than make outlandish generalizations for a continent. Your editing skills are very good btw and I think you have lots of potential to make some great content. I myself have been very opposed to the sprawling car centrist suburbia but I think you’re trying to cover waaaaay too much in too little time that it just didn’t make sense. I can only assume these points being made are Toronto specific because I didn’t find any to be factual for TX cities or suburbs at all. PS: like Montréal, Houston has an underground tunnel system lol. For those wondering “where is everyone??” Bruh probably underground, it’s hot AF here for half the year lol. Same with MTL folks during winter. Has nothing to do with city planning, it’s just the weather.
The modern American-style suburb was DESIGNED to be exclusionary. To specifically keep out the non-Whites and poor people in general. These days it’s more about separating the classes though. That is absolutely true. That’s why “Euclidean” zoning exists in the first place, it’s an archaic/outdated concept that should have been left behind in the 20th century. If you think this is bs, feel free to read up on “Segregation By Design”. There’s also a really good video by a TH-cam channel called “Climate Town” titled: “The Suburbs Are Bleeding America Dry”. Remember people aren’t saying that suburb themselves are bad (they’ve been around for thousands of years). It’s the way America (and Canada) in particular builds them: to be car dependent and exclusionary.
@@kwasiahenkora6583 If I think? 😂 ma’am I’m Mexican and love In cypress, a majority Hispanic suburb. If it was DeSiGnEd to keep POC out, how did that happen? 🤔 it’s also 21% black. Cute homework assignment tho lol
@@MiguelitoD770 💀 and your name is your profile name 🤦🏿♀️ but I’m sure that wasn’t noticed in their rush to “educate” as the young generation calls their misinformation rants. I guess that person also figure us “non whites” aren’t just incapable of homeownership or independent thought/choice, but being able to eloquently and respectfully state some points that counter their narrative lmao. I also stay in Houston and just wanted to add Fresno is a majority black suburb and Sugar Land is majority Asian with one of the biggest Pakistani communities.I work in real estate/mortgage and sorry but anyone talking about any segregation, red lining, whatever after 1964 aren’t worth my time talking to. The woe is me persona is their real fixation. Not walking to the farmers market. 😒😂
@@kwasiahenkora6583Here’s the issue I have with this video.. You can’t cookie cut one solution for every city. The content creators (most of which have never been to the cities they complain about) present stereotypes and biases they have for their own city and project it everywhere like everyone agrees them. Unfortunately they don’t. This video proves that.. He used a bunch of videos about Houston Texas not knowing that Houston is one of the most diverse racially tolerant cities in the US. It’s also one of the fastest growing. Could it be better? Of course! But people do come here (and many other sun belt cities) to live the lives that this guy complains about. Montréal isn’t Houston, Toronto isn’t Dallas or Phoenix..
@@MiguelitoD770 It was designed that way in the past. The past. That’s not even the problem anymore it has more to do with bad urban planning among other things. Don’t speak about it unless you’ve read up on it. It was literally written into several city’s laws decades ago ( I forget which ones, but it’s in the video I mentioned in my first comment). Reread my comment again, I wasn’t saying they’re doing it today. But the current design of American suburbs is for this reason. We just need to update it to not be so car-centric.
When my family moved back to france, the first year we lived in an old ass farm manor with a huge attached yard and completely hidden behind a giant gate in the suburbs of the main city. But right down the street, literally 2 min away, was an apartment complex where my best friend lived, a small grocery store, a pastry shop and of course a bus stop that would take you straight to the downtown, stopping by all the big box stores along the way. So clearly a balance is possible if you habe the political will to do it
Car-dependence screw many countries. I am from Poland which is getting more and more car dependent and some ppl are violent to idea of not using car. I used to live in Toronto and now in Switzerland. Switzerland has the best of one the best public transit system on a planet. I live now in small town in a country side car free and I am not the only one. Kids are taking bus to the other village to meet friends or to school and start their journey towards independence in early elementary school. Swiss are not driving kids to school but kids from a neighborhood or take bus together which is amazing chance to make connections and learn independence. Switzerland is not perfect but their approach to transit is great. ALL places are walkable. Almost every village have bus, some train stations!!!, and one bus is shared by three or more villages being both bus for a village AND between village and takes ppl to the nearest, larger train station. I have car enthusiast in my workplace, but I am making it clear I am not against cars but car dependence and forcing ppl who shouldn't drive to drive. It is all about giving choice. Many Swiss ppl have sport cars and fancy family SUVs and still use trains as this is lifestyle.
Americans wouldn't let small children loose in the community under any circumstances!!! And the US government isn't about providing every possible option. Things get done when a very large number of constituents want something, and that hasn't happened with regard to restructuring the entire country. Small cities where people want this could have it if they lobby for it.
Sorry but that is not true for the average swiss person. I grew up in Switzerland and now live in Germany. The problem in Switzerland is that the public transportation in the city resp. suburbs is mostly overcrowded, enormously expensive and inefficient, if you want to get out of town.
@@ceooflonelinessinc.267 it is expensive and crowded but my point was it is possible to live in a small town without a car. I use GA travel card to get anywhere I want or need. Car is an option not necessity. This is my experience at least.
Sounds like an American problem. Canadian cities have their rougher neighborhoods but hardly anyone thinks of Canadian cities as crime ridden, just busy.
I used to live in Astoria, and it offered the best of both worlds: my apartment was in a two story family home with the whole block having the suburban vibe and two blocks down we had the 30th Ave (formerly Grand Avenue) thoroughfare with restaurants, bars, grocery stores and cafes.
the people commenting arguments against this are sad, they are not facepalm worthy but its something more closely related to ignorance. They give reasons to live in a suburb but dont know there are simple solutions that form themselves whith the design. (Also this hasnt been mentioned but its another good part of having non suburbs is that its better for the environment less car travel more walking biking and public transport)
Then my fingers crossed you will find such place in Europe or you will be able to move to the US and Canada. My country, Poland is getting more and more car dependent and there are places outside Warsaw where you can have this lifestyle. I cannot say his affordable they are but exists.
Why? I would give everything to live in a European suburb. American suburbs are lifeless dull boring golden cage. All you hear is contant lawn mowers and cars driving by. Day after day it looks the same, 50 years goes by and it looks like 50 years ago, people just drive newer cars.
I live in the suburbs and it wasn’t that bad until a 55+ and older neighborhood moved in, killed all the trees and now there is a road that got expanded because of the traffic that took 2 years to get built. In my part of the city there is a 50 mph road that splits what I call bad capitalism, and then good capitalism. The good side has side walks for golf carts that people used to use all the time. Sadly, no one uses their golf carts and everyone just makes the road get all trafficy
I was always suburb guy and I myself own a nice big house in typical suburban subdivision. I have to agree with you that it's hard to socialize but I still prefer to live here ;)
Idk, I just moved out of the city to a suburb. It’s nice to have the peace of my neighborhood, and it’s much quieter than my apartment where I often woke to people yelling and fighting outside my window, to the idiot above me yodeling out his window at 2am, and to students throwing parties until the early morning hours. I was tired of the constant subway and ambulance noises, and tired of having homeless people sleeping in my building’s foyer. A one bedroom cost almost $3k where I lived, and I had to shuttle my daughter across the street to avoid having her see a homeless man with his pants down, had to shuttle her away from the drug dealers one block from my apartment, and I had to drive out of the city to bring my daughter to the park because homeless people kept pouring large vats of urine out next to the playground and washing their clothes in the water-bottle refill area. The city was great - I loved it. But, until we can tackle social problems like drug addiction and homelessness, I will take the suburbs.
Most of these pop urbanists I call them on TH-cam, have a very idealistic view of apartment life. The average working class schmuck gets a 70s or older drafty thin wall building, old carpet, dirty blinds, old dirty kitchen, nasty carpet, a smelly noisy ac, nasty rat dumpsters outside, nasty laundry room that's always being used, and the whole building gets to smell what the one Indian family cooked yesterday. For a mortgage of about the same amount of rent paid, life is just more comfortable and you get equity.
Agreed. I’m from and still live in the inner city and one thing I notice a lot is how it’s never even mentioned that low and mid Income people are leaving cities due to money. If I didn’t purchase my home when I did, I wouldn’t be here to begin with. And why the mention of race? If it’s gonna he mentioned, why not mention all the people of all different backgrounds having to move far out as well due to rising costs of housing? Even those who can afford it may not want to spend the money on top of dealing with crime.
People like this commenter just love to lie, because they know all the things they mentioned also happen in suburbs. We have to stop debating in good faith with liars like this commenter. If you don't deal with the underlying issues, then nothing changes. People like this KNOW THAT, they just don't care.
Excellent video! You put into words what many people feel in these non-places North America loves to create. I think the increased housing costs alone in Streetcar Suburbs is enough to indicate that people want to be in these places, and not enough of them exist.
I agree with your video but living in suburbs is mostly every one dream (mostly my), I rather live in a suburbs than living in the city or living in a bad environment.
I remember living in Germany where downstairs was a chicken place and the back door of the place lead into my so called apartment type multi use complex’s…. Across from me just next door was a movie theater but for Sundance type films and adjacent to the across the street was a normal movie theater. You could just watch people from your window lining up for a movie. Down the street was more multi use buildings with shops below. When you are born into this, you except the world to be this way. Malls are constructed differently! Which does have a small sparking lot for the grocery underground next to the mall which is basically a tall cone shaped building with each floor occupying a different store. School was walkable, so no bus needed! Living in this big town in Germany! No cars hardly ever needed. Most of my family hardly owned cars and you were basically low income, but didn’t feel like you were unless you come to America and low income neighborhoods just suck! Cookie cutter type homes where that’s the norms and even middle or upper middle tier neighborhoods aren’t that much better, but they do have sidewalks. Older cities in America have traces of how it used to be. I would say, Bethlehem,pa is one. Most of the neighborhoods have sidewalks, which is missing in most suburbs. Without sidewalks; the walkability of connecting neighborhoods isn’t possible. Those of your that are afraid of 15 minute city or a different version of suburbia prefer communism type dystopia! You hate secular communism, but prefers those neighborhoods! A contradiction.
I lived in a mixed use development, or as you referred to as a residential area with a “third place”, and it was awful. The noise from food/alcohol delivery trucks is constant all day, as bars and restaurants downstairs & across the street, received their deliveries. Then there’s the constant noise from cars and party buses dropping ppl off. Not to mention the drunken loud ppl roaming around shortly after closing, walking up & down the street yelling & being obnoxious. Traffic congestion is horrible in these areas as well. Coming home from work was a chore! Nah I like my suburbs to be suburbs and quiet residential only! If I want fun and a third place, I’ll drive to it. Keep that noise away from me. Garbage trucks waking me up at 3AM nightly, to empty commercial sized dumpsters full of alcohol bottles is not fun or make for a good night’s sleep.
Yeah it really does. I mean I get what he’s saying, but let’s be real here. Most young people aren’t buying homes. It’s married couples, people with kids, and older people. It’s a family environment. Parents aren’t looking to go hang out and socialise after work. They are getting off work, running errands, getting the kids situatied, making dinner, and relaxing, before going to bed, just to do it all over again the next day lol. Welcome to family life 😂
@@ndub7491 Im sorry but you are wrong here, you living in a bad mixed residential area doesnt mean that its bad overall. To be honest i just think that public in America sucks in general. I live pretty much in the very centre of a 400k city and its totally fine, yes there are some streets that are more noisy, but there are also very calm parts and everyone can choose what he likes the best. But anywhere you are, there is a cafe, restaurant, pub and so many more things that are in a walkable distance and you can get anywhere in like 20 minutes by public transport. Car dependancy is a bad thing and suburbs could be much better if it was planned properly.
I’m wrong? So being awakened to garbage trucks daily at 3-4AM is all good? Well maybe for you it is, but not for me. I’m sure others don’t mind. Which is why you all can have it. Just as you say living in a mixed use development isn’t all bad, neither is living in a quiet residential only suburb. You knew it was that way when you moved there. You want noise, excitement & fun? Then move to the city. Don’t try to convert the suburbs to the noise & congestion of the city. That’s why people move out of the city in the first place. What’s the point of the suburbs if it has all the same noise and congestion as the city? Thats mental. Of course public transport in America sucks, duh it’s America! America was not built with the intention of being like Europe. Also, the big oil companies love America’s car dependency. They wouldn’t have it any other way. But don’t say I’m wrong here. It’s just a matter of opinion. Different strokes for different folks. But everything I said is a fact. Mixed use developments are high-traffic areas that are extremely noisy. Depending on your building, perhaps it’s more quiet inside your flat.
You mean, you wouldn't rather live in a dirty crime ridden city?? I agree with you and these comments just seem like a bunch of unhappy people in their lives.
It depends on what happiness is. There is a person who wants to be gregarious, but there is also a person who loves lonely and wants to be isolated from society.
Great video, I really enjoyed your analysis and visuals to simply explain what can be improved with suburbs to simply reduce loneliness and improve community togetherness. Any examples of good suburbs with mixed use and more third places that you allude to in the video?
I think it really depends on a person. I dont like being surrounded with so many people. I am happy being home, enjoy my balcony and just being home. I also enjoy going to work. I think it really depends.
I appreciate new youtubers creating content on urban planning, but big chunks of this video appear to be plagarised directly from Not Just Bikes' video "The Great Places Erased by Suburbia (the Third Place)" chopped up & slightly rearranged. Sections of this are word-for-word identical to those in that video. Other sections sound uncannily familiar too. I recently subscrbed, but I don't think I can follow a channel that openly plagarises other creators.
He just points out the same staggering problems with car centric suburbs as every other urbanist channel. Not just bikes didn’t come up with those concepts they are simply what is concluded by city developers.
I loved to live in a suburb of Lakewood, Colorado. The routine you described was exactly like that, drive to work, stop by to buy some things and do some things and drive back home.... But at the weekends or when I was in the mood we used to drive till Downtown Denver or Rino do have some beers and socialize... I miss the peaceful routine to live in the suburb.... And btw a person can feel lonely and depressed even living in big noisy cities... so it's more related to the state of mind than the atmosphere around you....
I lived in a suburb a half-hour drive from San Francisco. I enjoy visiting cities but would never live in one as I don't see the point of paying all the high costs. My home was broken into, ransacked, and robbed four times from 2013 to 2014. I became rightfully paranoid from the first break-in. Living in fear is not worth it when people vote in politicians who are soft on crime. I left my Nextdoor account at that address and it is appalling how the number has drastically increased of posts from people who have become victims of property and violent crime. I'm back in the East Coast in a car-centric suburb with plenty of police cars keeping the area safe. F California! Suburb life is boring, especially when the land is flat with nowhere to go hiking, but I have my community with all kinds of events every few months. Being 14 miles from the ocean makes it all worth it with miles of beaches to walk along the waves and boardwalks to see lots of folks. Every Thursday evenings during Summer months there are large gatherings for fireworks shows.
Sorry you had to deal with having your home broken into multiple times. Any break-ins would have made me paranoid immediately and San Francisco really needs to change it's attitude on crime. That being said, I live in SF and love it. I live in a pretty new neighborhood (Mission Bay) that's pretty safe and walkable but still has density and things to do (plus access to the rest of the city). If you ever come back to SF, please come check out the Mission Bay neighborhood!
@@Kyth-g7pMy parents were like you kinda, they grew up in inner cities and moved to suburbs when they had me and my sister, I have a lot of family back in the city they’re from so we visit a lot but I envy not growing up from where they’re from. The suburbs are dull and there’s no connection. My childhood was very isolated and I needed to be driven everywhere to do any activities. Suburbs aren’t meant for human connection they’re made for older people who don’t mind solitude
It's not the "suburb" that is bad, it's the car-dependent suburb. I live in a very transit and walkable suburb in Toronto and cannot imagine living anywhere else. We hate visiting friends that have moved to car hells because there's literally nothing to do but sit in their living rooms and if we want to go somewhere everyone has to hop into their own cars.
Honestly I wouldn't even know where to go even if it was walkable. Feel like the living room is more fun
'car dependent' suburb? So replace it with timetable dependent busses and trams that are fixed to a set route? There are many cities with nothing in it so cars are not the problem
I usually think of cities as ‘car hells’😂
@@gorgthesalty yeah, those big decorative lawns and trees are horrible. Backyards, pools, the smell of fresh cut grass and clover, sleepouts in the backyard with the neighborhood kids-all part of suburban living that can make childhood fun. And those vicious squirrels and birds… What about city kids’ play spaces; are parks in the city safe for children anymore? Vacant lots or your high rise’s private ‘play area’? Community centers and schoolyards? Forget it unless you’re looking to buy. If US suburbs are ‘horribly isolated’ how do millions of people commute to work (round trip) in less than an hour? If working from home(in any neighborhood) is such ‘hell’ why are so many employees fighting tooth and nail not to return to the office? That probably includes city dwellers too. And those ‘third places’ spoken of in this clip. Would those include restaurants with liquor licenses, bars, convenience stores, tattoo shops, nail salons? Would anyone like one of those next door in those ‘mixed use’ zones?
@@gorgthesalty Exactly right, small town living is really a much more nurturing environment for people in general I think. I’m not sure that’s an argument for inner city living; just in the numbers, a suburb more closely functions as a smaller town than the urban center does. I also agree that parks offer little for older kids; that’s why private yards are so valuable for cookouts and family get-togethers for all ages. The burbs are great for older kids who want to be outdoors where there are hiking/biking/jogging trails. Where is that available in the city? Where do kids go to just sit on their bikes and hang safely?
How people isolate themselves is a function of that person or family unit, not of fenced yards or where you live. Isolated people are not suddenly going to turn into the weekly block party hosts just because they move. Young people can’t separate from their devices long enough to even realize there’s a world outside the house.
We won’t discuss the cost of city living if your plan is to buy a decent home of your own. Even groceries at the mom-and-pop grocers. Home Insurance rates, crime rates, noise level, the social issues around homelessness and addiction- are any of these important things better in the city?
Personal lifestyle choices are too broad to say that one is ‘better’ than another. It’s all subjective.
Lots of drug use and crime in suburbs too, just less out in the open.
Agreed
It's even rampant in small towns, probably in part due to the boredom in them.
@@mattwolf7698 Between lack of things to do, job opportunities and social isolation, I understand how people start experimenting and then get trapped.
Drugs and crimes from the cities. Hardly a way to tempt people back.
This. I see it all the time in my suburb. Just not usually in the actual neighborhood but along the arterial roads adjoining them. People that grew up there too, and of course inside people's homes that you'd never know about.
Most people today cant even afford a house so they dont even have the benefit of living in a suburb. They are trapped living in a shoebox apartment overpriced and dreaming of having the space and solitude of a house.
But people are miserable because they have to spend money on cars to get anywhere thus unable to save for a house, which leads to more car dependent development.
Definitely wrong. House market is still popping off. At least in the northeast.
Trapped in their parent's house bc the area is too expensive or have to live with tons of roommates, or an overpriced apartment in a depressing apartment complex, or a tiny overpriced studio in the dirty, crime-ridden car-dependent urban center.
@@underballbutter It's car dependency and no walkable mixed neighborhood which ain't lively. We want more options.
I'm writing a college paper on American Car Culture's impact on Architectural Theory and will use this video as a source. Very good points made, you killed it!
This is so depressing. The people that wrote municipal codes are engineers that don’t understand human behavior. American suburbs are truly depressing.
Basically you cannot go out for the age of under 16 when you don’t have a car, or when you don’t have money to afford buying a car.
What is depressing for you is paradise for others, not everyone wants to live in a chaotic place full of noises and crime. Suburbs are peaceful, no pollution and away from the impertinence and rudeness of most people.
Engineers don't write municipal codes, I wish we did. They're written by bureaucrats.
A kid in a project would love a suburb
Sounds like you are depressed. Don't be mad just because you don't fit in.
Since moving to the US I never thought about the missing 3rd Place until now. This explains why it's been so difficult to build a community as an adult in my suburb.
Huh? Sorry, my friend, but we don’t do “communities” in the USA! Solitude is bliss. 🇺🇸
or, you are afraid to walk to your neighbors door and ask them to come over and barbecue. I grew up with block parties and knowing every one of my neighbors and all the children in the neighborhood. I was in a 'car-centric' neighborhood next to a mid sized city with good transit and free bussing for children. Word to the wise, In America it's okay to be directly friendly, especially if you are a European. If you catch the right person, you might even be friends for life. Community branches are different in America because when we move for work, we often upend ourselves 1,000 miles away. White people have started disbanding from the American core, because it doesn't answer our grievances, so that will always play a part in who you meet nowadays. So you will find community but not with democrat voting sycophants. They have no care for community or the concept of 'high trust societies'. If you want that you will have to go to Whiter areas. Not mixed areas. Mixed areas naturally create low social trust. And city dwellers often don't know their neighbors in the slightest but claim they care more about their community simply because they occupy the ruins of what White people built for themselves and their progeny. It's like blacks claiming neighborhoods were historically black just cause White flight left mass vacancies that they then occupied. No inner city/historic neighborhood was built by blacks. The buildings are the leftover buildings that Whites abandoned decades ago for greener pastures in high trust societies. Low trust Detroit to High trust Grand Rapids is a great example of prosperity following high trust society. Blacks did a race riot that ruined Detroit forever and Whites created Grand Rapids out've the aftermath. Despite being much smaller Grand Rapids excels. It's not the magic land, or magic resources, seems it is the magic people with a magic mindset advocating for their own. Grand Rapids is a great place to make friends. Detroit,,,, not so much... Choose high trust societies and you will have an easier time. In summation your 'community' feeling might be more nuanced than you think.
My man's racist.@@smplfi9859
@@smplfi9859 I appreciate your perspective on the influence of mindset and trust in building communities. While I agree they play a role, I also believe that factors like cultural diversity, economic opportunities, shared interests, and community initiatives contribute significantly. In diverse neighborhoods, embracing different backgrounds can enhance the sense of community, and initiatives that bring people together create a stronger bond beyond just trust. It's a combination of these factors that truly makes a neighborhood vibrant and connected.
@@Alekobeats I have to agree with you, and as you mentioned immigrating, I notice in a lot of places there's still a stigma around immigrants which is really sad given how pretty much all Americans have been born to immigrants (parents, grandparents, great grandparents), and the perspectives and cultures people bring with them are what make America so lovely. I really appreciate the people who come here with the mind to actually see it for what it is and want to change this place for the better instead of living complacently in the shitty system because what's familiar is comfortable.
no wonder people get depressed there, suburban areas in the US seem so monotonous and lifeless
I think this is why me and my friends were mall rats in the 90's. It was our 3rd place. These days malls are dead or dying now... thanks to online shopping.
The entire business model of Starbucks is being a 3rd place, which the video conveniently left out. Not perfect, but it's something
@@bruceh4180Most Starbucks are too far for away for most people to walk to. Also, fuck Starbucks.
@@bruceh4180Starbucks is also a very specific kind of place that not everyone vibes with.
@@bruceh4180i can see it being designed that way, but it is more of a place for on the go people who need their caffeine or a pit stop for teenagers. Most people who do stay are working.
People from third world countries (like me), will understand perfectly this video. Our homes are together with stores and everything else. We don’t have suburban exclusive with homes like here in the US. We are always in contact with people. We’re never isolated or stuck in home. For me it was very difficult to adapt to the suburban life in the United States
👏
Greetings from 3rd world Germany. In Europe people also run their businesses on ground level and live upstairs.
Also from the "3rd world" yeah same, but also some have experimented with it and it has screwed up some of out cities.
Same here. Moved to the US for a better life only to realize that better life is an illusion and even illegal. I guess at least there are plenty of career opportunities.
@@badhombre4683 Yep that's the major advantage, career options. You get what you can out of the US system and leave.
Lack of third places can happen in big cities too. I feel like everyone just need to find their communities no matter where they live.
Well said young man! Well said. Thank you. Euclidean zoning is a scourge.
I couldn’t agree more! It’s incredibly frustrating when we severely under invest in cities and then complain that they have problems. Suburbs don’t solve problems, they just run away from the problems and filter out poor people.
Worse than that, we not only underinvest in cities and complain they have problems but *suburban and rural areas bus their "problem" people to them*.
Worse than that, suburbs don't even get near to paying their own way. They may well bankrupt the nation.
I am from Europe and therefore I live in the typical European suburb. I also spend a half year living in a typical US suburb. So, I think I can give a fair comparison. And honestly: I would any time and any day prefer to live in an US suburb than a European one.
Living in a European suburb mostly results living in a tiny, expensive, and noisy concrete apartment block surrounded by commercial use. The view you have is mostly the façade of the next apartment block. If you want to around, you need to take the public transportation system, since a lot of European government (mine included) try to reduce the car use of habitants. In my country the public transportation system is extremely expensive and overcrowded at rush hour. It even gets more complicated if I want to get out of town. Wanting to visit the mountains take me three trains and two busses and not to forget a lot of money.
When I studied abroad, I lived in a middle-class suburb. The first thing, which absolutely surprised me, was how much more space and value you get on the American housing market. What my parents paid for a tiny, small, and old apartment (without garage or anything else), the family I stayed with, paid for a spacious and relatively new (2005) house with a garage and big garden. Another thing I absolutely loved about the US suburbs, is the quietness and peacefulness around your house. There is no to little traffic on the streets, no commercial buildings or large construction sites, while where I live it is the complete opposite. Also, accessing third places is not as bad as often described. Within a five minutes card drive, we were at a large mall, where you would get anything, you would need. Speaking about transportation; the ability to hope into your car at any time and basically get wherever you want to give you a unique sense of freedom. I would go to state and national parks, do road trips, or simply get some late-night snacks. Where I live, the daily commuting, just leaves me tired and exhausted.
These are just my two cents and one reason for my preference is probably due to the fact that I am an introvert.
@@ceooflonelinessinc.267Using a car is (relatively) inexpensive for a single event. *Owning* a car and using it for daily commutes, supply runs, and getting *anywhere* ends up costing the average American about a thousand bucks a month (that's car, fuel, maintenance, registrations, taxes & fees, and insurance). The suburbs turns into one of those survival video games if your car breaks down because what's a five or ten minute drive by car is a 30 minute walk on roads not at all designed for foot traffic.
@@ceooflonelinessinc.267 you had a chance to compare different lifestyles. This is unique and great experience that allowed you to make conscious choice. Wonderful that you find place you like. But some people prefer to be around other ppl and enjoy taking trains. American ppl cannot make comparison you made. My coworkers are dreaming about moving to cottage in a woods and I prefer city center. We both wish each other success and acknowledge different preferences. No one is having issues with me to prefer public transit when I say I am not against cars but car dependence and forcing everyone to drive including those who should not drive due to anxiety or anger issues among others. I am not introvert so being away from other people makes me as upset as you were in apartment. I prefer to have apartment over house because this is my lifestyle and my choice. My time in car dependent places wad dreadful. I felt trapped but again this is me.
As a gen Z I don’t want to live in car-dependent suburbs, and don’t want the USA to keep building suburbs, what can I do? Are there any petitions I can sign?
Live in Asia.
me too
Finally someone said it! I have been saying this to myself for years since I moved to the states. Suburbs are convenient for families since the cities are planned that way but people try to hide the fact how incredibly boring and monotonous they are.
I think a place being boring is horrible for families
Only boring people can be bored.
You can access infinite entertainment through a screen and are still bored. Amazing.
For real, suburbs ain’t my lifestyle.
Just curious, where are u from?
I live in a village-style neighbourhood in Australia and let me tell you, that village feel and walkability are both priceless. Suburbs are dystopian.
LOL okay bro, I love living in my suburb, dystopian it is not, but you go off
As a former suburbanite, it absolutely sucked.
@@AndroidPoetryenjoy that then mate, chances are you’ve never left your American bubble and seen how good your life could be.
@@AndroidPoetryStockholm syndrome
Cope.
Brilliant video! We moved from cookie cutter suburbia to the country. While we're surrounded by nature, neighbors still stay indoors, no common places and even MORE car dependant. We'll be living in a small village in Italy starting this next year. Yes, I speak Italian ;)
cookie cutter is such an odd insult, it doesn't even mean bad
@@AndroidPoetryyes it does. It’s lack of architectural value. There’s a reason why cities like Prague are famous and the common, American suburb is not.
@@AndroidPoetryI've always thought the same. I don't mind a place being cookie cutter or even "boring". Don't get me wrong, American suburban design is absolutely dystopian and abhorrent, but being "cookie cutter" is not why.
I’ve been a city dweller downtown for most of my life since my mid 20s, tried living in the suburbs for five years, and just absolutely hated it. I didn’t fit and couldn’t relate and got bored with strip, malls, busy highway type streets, and clone type stores and chain restaurants everywhere. Moved back to the city downtown in a great condo and a wonderful neighborhood in downtown Detroit. Just love it., walk abd bike to everything, which is much healthier than driving constantly. The nicest thing is almost all the people in my condo building have the same type of urban interest, yet very diverse. To each their own and depending how your life takes you of course , it may be more advantageous to the suburban environment for school and things like that but for myself, there’s just no comparison, living in the city so close to so many different things that I want and so diverse, keeps me feeling alive. I do keep a small cabin up in northern Michigan on a small lake, I do love nature enormously, I just can’t stand what sits in between the city and the northern Woods. Have it to get away from it all when I need to, but always can’t wait to get back to the city , to feel alive again. The other advantage here is at Michigan is reasonable real estate wise, I could never do this on either coasts financially.
You have what’s called privilege to be in this position. Remember that and stay humble. Not everyone can have the best of both worlds. I’m jealous but happy for you! 😊
I'd much rather have a boring suburb than a city full of crime.
@@rogelioatempa1115It's like you didn't pay attention to the video at all.
@@dwallace8731 city equals crime
Suburbs equal peace
Sorry but true
Just avoid cookie cutter suburbs. Those homes aren’t built to last either. There are plenty of suburbs in America that don’t suck and are not lifeless.
Wisteria Lane looks pretty with hot Mexican garderners.
Most suburbs are cookie cutter
where?
@@Ary-vr1pu no they aren’t 😂
@@dailybiblekjv west hartford, CT! theres lots of trees and nature, its very walkable, and there are lots of career opportunities
Our perception changes according to where we are in our life. I am born and raised in NYC and spent the first 44 years of my life smack dab in the middle of it. I loved every second. Then I was ready for something else and moved to the burbs. It feels entirely different to me than the way you described it. It's warm and cozy and definitely communal. I will always be a city girl, but I can't imagine giving up the beauty and tranquility of the burbs. I'm here to stay!
As a 34 husband with a beautiful wife and father of a 1 year old boy I can said that I’m totally agree with you, I’ve been living my entire adult life in Los Angeles and at this point of my life I just want peace and space.
I agree. I grew up in the suburbs. It was a safer environment as a kid. But now I’m older and live in the city. Fast paced, easy to get around and a ton to do. Perfect for now but I’m sure when i get older, i will want to go back to the suburbs where it’s quiet lol
@@Dis2good that sounds perfect!
I could never live in thr burbs again. Especially car dependent burbs. Too dystopian
It doesn't have to be a busy city to have that "3rd space" though. I'm sure you've heard of master planned communities which the good ones will have a mini town of sorts within the gated neighborhood that includes shopping strip, entertainment space, food etc.
"15-minute City Agenda"what? Why would anyone wanna live in a place where the places you'd need are hours away?
I grew up in a “streetcar suburb” called “the fan” in Richmond Virginia. This neighborhood was idyllic for me as a child because I enjoyed many third place, could walk, bike, and drive, and I felt safe while still being able to experience.
AS an adult, its an absolute nightmare
@@OGPimpinno as an adult it would be a dream come true.
@@jared1861 Depends on your needs. If you dont have a car it is AWFUL! If you are single, being close to or in the city is GREAT! If you are starting or have a family and you have a job close to where you live and are settled in life, the burbs arent too bad.
There definitely needs to be a change to reduce our car dependency, but in the meantime I think selecting for smaller and cheaper cars can help, also 2 seater and 1 seater cars and motorcycles.
I lived in the suburbs for 7 years and moved to downtown LA 2 1/2 years ago... i've never been so miserable! I meet the worst people and it just sucks. On top of it I pay $4,500 rent for a one bedroom. If my store wasn't so close by I'd flee this area and move back to the suburbs.
Downtown LA sucks. Westside is better. You could live by the beach in santa monica with what you pay for rent
That cause you chose LA😂who tf moves to LA with these prices
Who still lives in LA? CA state income tax is the reason to run in itself
Avoid the suburbs and the 900 ft skyscrapers areas
Mixed use areas are better
This is partly why stay at home mothers can get depressed
I feel bad cause I live in a city but I’m so burned out living here. I don’t really wanna spend my time going out anymore cause I’m autistic and I have sensory overload. I wanna live somwhere alone so I can gather my thoughts for a few years.
Tons of houses and no businesses actually lowers property value in Europe. No facilities means less liveable. They should also consider building more 3-4 floor complexes to save room.
The USA doesn't have to save room.
@@laurie7689 It's a preventive measure. Also, apartment complexes lead to shorter distances. Imagine how much surface + nature it will take to solve the housing crisis with single family homes.
@@laurie7689Location, location, location. All space isn’t equal. Most people want to live in or near a specific few locations that many other people also want to live in or near. Popular places should look their part.
You can always choose to live somewhere less popular, it’s up to you. You shouldn’t have to choose a place you don’t want to live in just because the popular places have been deemed full and there’s no reason to save room because the USA has the Midwest.
@laurie7689 do you want to destroy all farming land for housing? you know land has uses besides being a place to put buildings.
I am from Europe and therefore I live in the typical European suburb. I also spend a half year living in a typical US suburb. So, I think I can give a fair comparison. And honestly: I would any time and any day prefer to live in an US suburb than a European one.
Living in a European suburb mostly results living in a tiny, expensive, and noisy concrete apartment block surrounded by commercial use. The view you have is mostly the façade of the next apartment block. If you want to around, you need to take the public transportation system, since a lot of European government (mine included) try to reduce the car use of habitants. In my country the public transportation system is extremely expensive and overcrowded at rush hour. It even gets more complicated if I want to get out of town. Wanting to visit the mountains take me three trains and two busses and not to forget a lot of money.
When I studied abroad, I lived in a middle-class suburb. The first thing, which absolutely surprised me, was how much more space and value you get on the American housing market. What my parents paid for a tiny, small, and old apartment (without garage or anything else), the family I stayed with, paid for a spacious and relatively new (2005) house with a garage and big garden. Another thing I absolutely loved about the US suburbs, is the quietness and peacefulness around your house. There is no to little traffic on the streets, no commercial buildings or large construction sites, while where I live it is the complete opposite. Also, accessing third places is not as bad as often described. Within a five minutes card drive, we were at a large mall, where you would get anything, you would need. Speaking about transportation; the ability to hope into your car at any time and basically get wherever you want to give you a unique sense of freedom. I would go to state and national parks, do road trips, or simply get some late-night snacks. Where I live, the daily commuting, just leaves me tired and exhausted.
These are just my two cents and one reason for my preference is probably due to the fact that I am an introvert.
I think it is perfect to live in a suburb close to a city because you can enjoy all the amenities of the cities when you so desire and also enjoy nature, peace and quiet if you wish. You have the best of both worlds ( urban and rural) available. Besides walking around sucks when it is freezing or pouring or is a hundred degrees or if you have a bunch of groceries to carry. That being said, driving and parking suck too but are usually worse in urban areas.
No way you had rural and suburb in the same sentence 😂
My city is certainly not the best, but I appreciate that we have actual houses and direct access to downtown even on the edge of city bounds, regardless of the poverty and crime that make it a tad harder to hang out around the neighborhoods. It's a little sad to see the state of some places, but my area has some real potential and I'm glad it's not being 'fixed' right away because right now I think the folks around here think gentrification is fixing things
Coming from a suburb to living in the city is 1000x different. I'm much more social and have many more friends now than I did just sitting on my couch staring at a TV every evening.
It really is a huge shift and I can't imagine ever being in a lifeless suburb again.
Or you live in what people call a suburb but is actually a small city. Places like say Plano TX are rated one of the better places to live in the nation for good reason.
@@albertcamus5970probably called a suburb because its one of these cities that got swallowed by the dallas suburban sprawl
You’re very well spoken and very well thought out. Currently binging your
videos. Subscribed 🤘🏼
Meanwhile, look at Japan. The residential areas have everything within a few minutes walk. It’s so beautiful and life changing 😮💨❤️
Yet Japan -- even with their world-class public transit and super-dense walkable cities, with ample 3rd places in the form of neighborhood pubs/shops/cafés -- has sky-high rates of loneliness, overwork, and suicide, and abysmal numbers on marriage, family formation, and childbirth.
@@Zalis116People will never truly be Happy under capitalism people should realize this. Japan is better at urban planning however there ultra capitalistic system and work culture is what is killing the Japanese population.
@@Zalis116 thats more of a cultural thing though, it’s not an infrastructure issue. How does that connect? 😮💨
@@nct_exx Urbanists promise that better transit and denser / more-walkable city layouts will bring greater social connection and cohesion. Japan is a clear counter-example to that promise. If the answer is that "urbanism can never fail, it can only be failed," then what we have here is a cult mentality.
@@OmniGokublack Do you actually believe that Stalin's U.S.S.R., Mao's China, Pol Pot's Cambodia, etc., were happy places to live? 🙄🙄
These suburbs have an eerie 'back rooms' vibe.
You have no idea how people outside US wish to live in places like that, free of violence, noise and entitled Karens...
Suburbs themselves aren’t the problem, they’ve been around for thousands of years. It how they’re planned that need to be changed, so that having a car becomes a choice rather than a necessity. Google European suburbs to get an idea of what I’m talking about. They’re a little more compact and all or at least most of your basic amenities - grocery stores, health clinics, libraries, civic buildings, schools, office spaces, etc. are within walking distance. Which means that trips don’t typically take longer than 15 minutes (even without a car). If it does take longer, good, high frequency public transit should be easily accessible. This shouldn’t be exclusive to inner cities. This is how America used to build suburbs anyway, but thanks to the scheming and lobbying of the auto industry, every city in America has had their public transit systems gutted, neighborhoods destroyed or split in half and replaced with more lanes for cars… Displacing many (poor) people. And I haven’t even mentioned the financial viability of car-dependent developments…
I type all of this to say that this problem is a lot more complex and nuanced than most people realize
You have no idea. Europeans are laughing at us. No living is sustainable if you have to rely on cars only.
@@kwasiahenkora6583 I agree, I lived in a suburban area in UK, houses dated from 1920 but at least they have reasonably good commuting system based on buses. Better than Latin America suburbs indeed... Safer and cleaner.
@@joecortizo people who live in suburbs in the US don't want any busses or trains run near them because that usually bring problems like homeless people and crime. I actually did paper on it awhile back. In US suburbs are designed on purpose to be away from the noise crime and bad air pollution that you usually get in the city.
Exactly. Only privileged, out of touch leftists make videos and say things like this.
It's sad
I live in Argentina, 8th largest country in the world. From the capital to the small towns our cities are walkable and you have a lot of ‘third places’ available for you; of course the larger the city, the more options you’ll have. And if you want to live in US-like suburbs, you can 100% do it too in places that are called “countries”. The key is to have the option to choose the lifestyle that makes you happier, the power to decide.
We may not be the richest and our system may not be as developed as in the Netherlands, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have still good places to be around.
Make sure you vote for Javier Milei. The Peso is going to end up with everyone in tin roof shacks if they are "rich".
Oh man, Argentina is on my dream list I hope to visit one day. What a fascinating history too. My Spanish professor in university was from Argentina which made me want to go even more. Agree with you on the last paragraph. My family is from Monterrey, Mexico which is very walkable, beautiful, and growing so beautifully compared to my city Houston, TX. 3rd metro line opened up and 2 more are in the works. But our country also gets labeled as underdeveloped (despite being 15th largest economy) because of the 5 states with rampant cartel issues and our national road system isn’t as good as the US. The suburbia here is just so plain and boring though.
Thank you for making this video and spreading the word. I live in Texas, which is probably the most car dependent state in north America. I wish to live in a urban city.
Do it. I lived in NYC for 15 years. I much prefer living in Texas. Be careful what you wish for..
@@albertcamus5970 Yeah thats becuase you moved to nyc?
@@Ary-vr1pu I moved FROM NYC. There is generally been a net amount of people moving out of NYC for several years now.
On balance people don't agree with this. People vote with their pocketbook.
1. High Crime. Super high.
2. High Taxes. NYC has its own special tax.
3. Lack of quiet. NYC is so noisy.
4. Lack of health. NYC is so dirty - the subway is filled with rat poison and garbage.
5. Cost. NYC is hella expensive. You could own two cars for less then a 1500 square foot place rented out.
@@albertcamus5970NYC(or any big ctity) > TX
I live in the Netherlands, and I often cycle 10 miles just to get to my sibling's house. I call it being lazy. I don't have to take buses or cars; I just cycle. This means I get to spend time alone without needing to do additional workouts. Best of all, it's free!
One of my favorite things is going into the bakery for bread and having some social interaction. I also love cycling to the grocery store just around the corner to buy fruit and yogurt, etc.
I didn't appreciate everything as much until I saw videos like these. I hope we can all strive for better laws with more nature, more social interaction (hopefully more cycling), and more encouragement to go out and play and get home before the street lights turn on so Mom doesn't get too worried.
You are so right . Having had a childhood home in a downtown neighbourhood and having to move to a brand new suburb that was mind numbing and soulless left me lonely and depressed. There weren’t any trees or sidewalks so nowhere to really walk and no one to see. The rules and restrictions need to change.
it looks like a creepy movie, no human interaction
I don't mind my suburb because it's an older one (early 1900s) that's right next to a city. So, a city's offerings are easily available while I get to enjoy the quiet at night.
I wish we played more into streetcars/ trains and rails and just connected a line through the suburbs and to the city, just one direct line per suburb even. It wouldn't be a perfect fix, but even just some alternative to being able to drive would help immensely for those unable to.
I'm 29 y/o married. I used to think that cities were so cool especially in the movies. After somewhat experienced living in the city I never wanted to live there anymore. Small town living is the one for me!
I want to change the normal suburb so bad. God willing I will be part of making that change by developing neighborhoods that have theirs places, bikeable and walkable places.
Not every suburb has to look like miles and miles of single family homes with no sidewalks and no way to go anywhere except by car.
10:37 "[...] suburbs that don't..." [cut] :(
I’ve lived in a major city all my life and I’m sick of it. I hate sharing walls with my neighbors, loud college kids partying at 11 pm at night, and parallel street parking every day hoping nobody hits my car. I recently moved to the suburbs and I couldn’t be happier. It’s very peaceful, exceptionally quiet, my own driveway, and a big back yard where I can admire the trees and my garden in peace and privacy. If I had it my way and if it was financially feasible, I would rather live in the countryside where my backyard is the edge of the forest. I think people do not necessarily hate the idea of suburban living, it’s the zoning laws, HOA’s and the oversized neighborhoods that people hate. You can’t make it your own identity. Every house looks the same cuz that’s the law unfortunately.
The pandemic turned many homes into prisons without bars per 'working from home'. What the hell do these people DO? Residents hardly go anywhere anymore, autos parked outside all day on the driveway. For me, a complete established town and main street was in Pasadena California.
The DC area has a lot of those street care suburbs. You can drive, take public transport, and just walk down the block to get what you need. It's nice to have so many options that are easily accessible.
Actually, I love the suburbs, not in an HOA. But HOAs are backlash against those who want to crush zoning laws. If zoning laws aren't upheld, HOAs are the results. Because a lot of people like the suburbs
what do you specifically like about the post-WW2 suburbs, as opposed to other types of suburbs? the post-WW2 style is literally the worst type of suburb design.
@@Ryan-093 what is not to love about post WW2 suburbs? I mean maybe it's not for everyone but a lot of people love it. The houses were reasonable and affordable, a nice yard, wide streets. All residential so the traffic isn't too bad.
@@michah321people love it because most of them had never lived abroad. European suburbs are amazing: walkable, bike lanes, stores and cafes within walking distance, trams and buses nearby.
@@00_UU Americans who love how their suburbs are want them to be the way they are, not small cities with commercial business in residential areas. You don't need bike lanes in a suburb, the roads are wide. People who love the suburbs don't want to walk to the store. They have a vehicle they want to use
@@michah321 Your comment has so much ignorance I don't even know what to say. People don't want convenience and safety? Bike lanes serve a purpose, they invite more cycling and provide drivers and cyclists with better safety. Easy walk to a local grocery store is enjoyable and replaces your exercise at the gym. Do people living in suburbs love being stuck in constant traffic jams? I surely do not, I would walk to my local grocery store if I had one nearby
I got lost in a Calgary suburb and I was only going to try and find something to eat. It was so bizarre.
Au pair?
I live in a nice place. Almost everything is within walking distance
Yay!
In Bowling Alone, the social interactions stoped by early 70’s in USA.
I've never had a third place and probably never will, sounds nice though.
Same.
I live in a highly walkable neighborhood with a mix of urban condos and stand-alone houses. We have several commercial strips with restaurants, bars, small shops, and grocers. We also have parks and beaches, all within a walkable, and definitely bikeable distance. public transportation is abundant too. I guess that's why I've lived in the same neighborhood my entire adult life, and plan to retire here in the next year or so. The downsides are that parking is limited and we have cold weather, particularly in winter and spring.
I had no idea for so much of my life while my environment was so depressing. I always considered the suburbs just the default living situation. I've loved living in more urban areas in apartments with lots of human activity and want even more people friendly neighborhoods.
I just moved out of my parents house in the suburbs into an apartment on the main street of a small town. While it’s not perfect, I have many places I can walk to and see some familiar faces. It has definitely helped my partner and I let off steam when we need to.
"Human activity" usually means jackasses going drinking or making a big deal about dooshy restaurants. Fck that sht.
I prefer suburbs when there is less people
And that's completely fine. Just don't bring that mentality to the suburbs.
@@RextheRebel But I do bring it when I go to the suburbs.
You have great insights. I totally agree with you. There is nothing living in the suburb unless you drive. Nothing is walking friendly. Nothing. North American value privacy too much and they end up having a high depression rate in the country😂
I live in a typical American suburb I. Florida and I walk around it almost every day so I don’t have issues walking around it other than watching for cars for when I need to cross the street
@@ameraboukoura6091yeah but could you buy a loaf of bread or walk to see a friend without needing to drive?
You can’t live in an American suburb without needing a car. You are a slave to your car. Cars are expensive, polluting, and driving is the most dangerous activity you can do on a daily basis.
the comment section did not pass the vibe check. seems like your video got sent to the wrong side of the algorithm, they all sound like boomers 😭😭 as someone studying planning you hit all the points well.
he has his points the problem is labeling the suburbs as being lonely and depressing🤷♂🤷♂🤷♂ both city life and suburbs has pros and cons and just because you're in the city doesn't mean you can't be lonely or depress.
@@JETER911 yeah but hes not completely wrong tho.. theres a reason why the US and Canada are having a loneliness epidemic. it’s because most suburbs are built in a way that doesn’t have an accessible 3rd place and needs a car to participate in society or access a third place which has become more rare. the point of the video is not to make everywhere a Chicago or a New York, but to make suburbs more interesting, gently dense, and more accessible. as social beings we need more human interaction, even in our living spaces. European cities are great examples of that.
@@iSevenSimmer I dont know about the U.S but Canada has a pretty good transit system all around the city, if one is having a problem getting around then that's totally on that person to get their shit together and figure that out if they wanna get around the city, Id say its all in the mindset,... environments cant fully change you and your personal problems, changes starts with you, if you always have a pesimist outlook on life then it doesnt matter where you live. I've lived and experienced both suburbs and the city life. Personally it doesnt change my perspective that much cuz like I said both has pros and cons, tho I dont speak for everyone here. I think people these days are forgetting to be humble, feel blessed you got a roof over your head, and have the luxury of life. A lot out there are suffering so remember learn to be greatful.
@@iSevenSimmerThe loneliness epidemic has way more to do with social media and the internet then Suburbs being car dependent. I mean the suburbs have been car dependent for decades yet the loneliness epidemic is more recent.
I agree with the other commenter. The issue is mainly him labeling them as lonely and depressing. When many of us from poorer neighbourhoods would love to live in those cookie cutter houses and have truly experience turmoil living conditions. It’s almost like hearing a rich kid complain about the car they got gifted for their birthday.
That said he does have some valid points about walk ability, store locations.
@@torchedphoenix2159
Or maybe, the loneliness epidemic in North America is a combination of both car-dependent suburbs and social media.
I don't drive and I'm staying at my brother's place in a suburb. I'm hating it so much for all these aspects you brought up. It's certainly depressing and has an opressive atmosphere despite being so open and vast. I don't feel comfortable doing my daily walks.
As a Russian, I'd rather live in a suburb rather than a Khruschevka.
That typical housing of ours is a disaster. Most of those haven't been renovated for years and look quite depressing. Walls are usually very thin - they wouldn't break if you hit them like in America, but it's enough for you to hear your neighbors if they are making any noise louder than average. Also, Khruschevkas are at least 5 stories high, and usually it is 3-6 people living in one flat. Imagine if one would forget to turn off the gas tap. That's gonna be a disaster for the whole house.
I mean, driving everyday to your destination and living in a place where you are surrounded by the same houses doesn't sound like a great experience, but it sounds a lot better than what I've described above.
Yes true that does sound horrible. A lot of Russian buildings look depressing and old from what I’ve seen on TH-cam.
American walls don’t break if you punch them like in movies, you’d have to run and throw your shoulder at it and hope you don’t hit a stud. I guess macho guys can punch holes, but that’s their issue.
Из хрущёвки вышел, и гуляешь, где хочешь. А как с этим в субурбии? Да никак, будешь сидеть в четырёх стенах, как в тюрьме, и жёсткая зависимость от машины тоже вряд ли кого радует. Между прочим, чем чаще ездишь, тем выше риск ДТП. И каждый день колесить по однообразным дорогам, нюхая выхлопные газы, гарь, пары бензина - это удовольствие ниже среднего.
@@barbarian140674 Ну, что у них, что у нас, проблема одна. Однотипное жилье. Только у нас многоэтажки, а у них частные дома. Но херня одна.
Hi there were some gas explosions in high rise flats when we started building them in UK. Councils stopped installing gas in blocks of flats because of that. Of course now many people bought their council homes (thanks to Mrs Thatcher) , so I wonder if there is a law to stop gas installation in all flats, regardless of who owns them
100% true. Even more true when answering to the haters.
I think that no matter how you build your city, there are just some places that you'll have to drive. You can't just walk everywhere. It becomes tiring and time-consuming after a long time. And when time stacks up, that's a lot of walking. Where I live in Elk Grove, there are sidewalks everywhere. You can get to your destination by walking, bicycling, or driving. Everwhere I need to go is a quick 10-20 minute drive depending on where I go. It may take more time, it may take less. And I have friends everywhere! I've lived here my whole life and I can't imagine being anywhere else. Suburban life is wonderful here!
Yeah nothing really stops people from walking except their own patience. All of the main roads in Elk Grove are the same ones that were started as paths by the adjacent land settlers and even Indians hundreds of years ago when everyone walked. Golf Road and sht all show up on the 1851 map by James Reese.
Walkable cities don't make driving a pain. They make walking and cycling possible.
In most American suburbs it's literally impossible to walk from your suburb to your workplace, even if you wanted to.
That is the problem that the video addresses.
@@gindullin Yes. And the problem is not *suburbs*, but *car-dependent* suburbs.
@@fishofgold6553 that is also true.
Elk Grove wouldn't be on a list of well designed suburbs, to be honest. It's still extremely exclusive and spread out IMO. There aren't many opportunities for folks like me who would move in from a rural area to afford anything.
Grew up in the city. Best day of my life getting to the boring suburbs.
It really depends, some people in the planet would love a quiet place without noise and constant changes in the environment every single year. But like you said, everything have to be balanced.
He said the problem isn’t suburbs themselves. It’s how they’re planned. Car-dependent sprawl specifically
Also I think there is an underestimation that suburbs cannot be quiet when they're walkable. They're actually dead silent because there's no traffic apart from walking people.
@@lolololol7573real
It's like you didn't pay attention to the video. He literally said it's fine if you like it. It just shouldn't be the only thing being built.
@@dwallace8731 real
It honest to god still depends on who you are as a person. For me, cities are exciting and fun, but I do NOT want to live in them whatsoever. I live in what people would call “cookie cutter suburbs,” but my town is gorgeous, safe, and has a sprawling community. My own hobbies have me spending time at home and with family for the most part, and I spend a lot of time calling/texting my close friends, since everyone is at the age where we go our separate ways. And guess what, I actually love driving! My own me-time where I can just chill out to some music or a podcast and just enjoy the sights. This lifestyle is perfectly fine for me, as I have plenty of options to spice it up so it’s not boring but also I can have peace in a quiet, safe town when I go to bed at night.
Feel the same. Born and raised in NYC and spent the first 44 years of my life smack dab in the middle of it. Loved every minute of it. Then I was ready for something else. I experience living in the burbs exactly the way you described it. I will always be a city girl, but can't imagine giving up the beauty and tranquility of the burbs. I'm here to stay!
that's awesome! but not everyone is you, there are a lot of people that don't want to drive everywhere, and both are okay. were not forcing you to walk or take the bus, just to stop making construction of anything else illegal. if the car dependent suburbs work for you, that's wonderful, but not everyone shares that thought.
@@Merry99745 of course, that’s why my first sentence was “it depends on who you are.”
I 100% see the appeal of walkable cities and car-less worlds, and honestly, I need a break from suburb life/car world too sometimes (thank GOD, Hawaii), I just don’t like the idea that there’s an objective “better” living style. If someone doesn’t like living in the suburbs, then I hella respect the grind to find that space you find perfect (that right city or even country to move to). I personally believe we should never polarize ourselves in one direction (all suburb or all urban) we need a little diversity, not a LOT mind you, just a bit so we can spice it up and give a little bit of everything to everyone.
Great video. Very knowledgeable. Hopefully we will improve here in the U.S. and move away from auto dependent development. I’m optimistic because modern suburbs and in many cases becoming better.
No way. The government doesn’t want us healthy, active and on our feet. They need us in our cars driving to fast food chain restaurants. We’re more profitable to the government when we’re sick, getting prescribed medication in our middle age and dead before collecting social security which is about to become bankrupt. Don’t forget that. Nothing will change. Plenty of documentaries on this and NO this isn’t tin foil hat conspiracy theories 😅
I live in a suburban area. It’s a 30 minute drive on a highway to get to the nearby city with a population of 70K. There’s a mall, various McDonalds, some other stores, and a few tourist attractions. It is so incredibly boring here. Nothing to do, no one to meet. It’s just “do your thing, and go home”.
I’m a young adult still living with my parents and working at the moment. I can’t quite afford to move out on my own yet. I’ve lived in this same suburban neighborhood my entire life, and can confirm, its incredibly depressing as literally any place that I would want to hang out is at LEAST a 20 minute drive away. Most of my friends live anywhere from a 15 minute drive away to an hour or more drive away. I’m someone with pretty severe social anxiety as well, which is pretty paralyzing for me at times. All of these factors add up to make a rather isolating and miserable suburban life experience. But since I can’t afford to move out to somewhere at least a little more populated, I’m stuck just stewing in this misery.
We definitely need to do some replanning of our neighborhoods. It would help so much if people had more easily accessible common places to congregate, cuz even if you didn’t want to participate in community events or hang out at the local spot, at least you have the option, especially if you’re new to the neighborhood, which would allow you to meet people.
Thank you ! you explain it very well. Florida is full of those new and depressing neighborhoods. They are building without putting any effort in bringing people together. Depressing! You explain it very well.
That is a typical newer housing development; it is not, however a ‘typical’ suburb. Many older suburbs were designed to include shopping, restaurants, churches, schools, movie theatres etc. They were designed so folks didn’t have to go into the city.
I grew up in one of those suburbs and not all the houses were cookie cutter boxes; they were, however, all made of brick. Red, tan and grey with trim in every color on the wheel. I never saw another house that had the same exterior features as ours. The city bus line came out to our suburb every hour between 8 am and 6pm. Except for watching the New Year’s Day parade, dad never went into town except for work. Not everyone enjoys the congestion, noise, traffic and pace of city life. Where do you get a game of tag football going? Or throw a frisbee? Ride a bike? Not in the street that’s for sure. Do most people want a cafe, convenience store or any business next door? Your ‘streetcar suburb’ is just the older part of town and not, by definition, a suburb. It’s important to remember that many, if not most, large downtown core areas were never developed with an eye to housing the people who work there.
This is the most boomer comment I've read all day
@@dwallace8731 Thank you👍
@@gpg9516not good a thing. On your way out of this world please just let us create the change we feel will improve our lives. Stop holding us back.
@@jared1861 Who’s holding you back? Many large cities are experiencing record high vacancy rates of both commercial and residential space right now. Pick one and make your dream come true. Or are you just more interested in complaining?
My neighborhood is all 2 acre lots, I love living in a quiet calm suburb setting yet being only 8 minutes from town. It’s what matters inside the home that counts. We have have different lives. Working all day, coming home and cooking dinner, spending time with family, making memories. I guess you don’t see lots outside considering how crime ridden the world is now. Safer to be inside
solid take. cities nowadays are just asphalt jungle. suburbia is heaven compared to that.
plus you actually get to know your couple of neighbors in your block rather than ignoring the 100 other people in your buildings. city dwellers almost never know their neighbors, they live more like gopher holes in the city. the herd mindset puts them at ease, kinda like lemmings. They are good and efficient at following. @@glowiever
@@smplfi9859 exactly. american suburbs are considered the elite housing in my country and we build our premium housing following that design.
@@glowieveryour government doesn't care about crime at all so you get what you have and instead of finding the solution of this issue you prefer to escape from it like nothing happened
@@ЮрийБогомолов-б8щ shit take. read about the rat utopia and gain understanding of why big cities quickly become a cesspool of degeneration, ya left wing leaning parasite.
Real!!!!!! it takes at-least 15+ minutes for me to walk outside of my neighborhood to the nearest food spot feels like 45 min because how hot it gets up here but anyways (there’s no sidewalks leading up to the food spot) we legit have to temporarily share the same path as the car in the parking lot, we live in a world for cars , NOT pedestrians
Maybe you can move to the city and get your wish when you move out of Mom's basement.
@@GeneralFrankenberry I JUST turned 22 years old and I’m just now starting my college profession. I just can’t move out my parents house into a walkable city where apartments are consistently priced at 2000 per month. People like you love to ignore all the bad things going on right now how about you show more empathy ? Yeah?
@@GeneralFrankenberry your comment is very petty and you need to realize; a car dependent society isn’t good for people like me it quite literally sucks and it’s miserable look at places like Netherlands or Germany then get back to me :)
@@GeneralFrankenberry BY THE WAY,,, studies show walkable pedestrian friendly environments are actually good for you more than depressing cookie cutter neighborhoods …. so maybe you need to stop being a keyboard warrior and get outside more and have a better social life perhaps touch some grass 😹
@manilovefrogs__8842 says the 22 year old living at home. I have a strong career, car and home. I travel and very much like having a car to go wherever and whenever i want. Sorry you don't have that opportunity. Come back to me when you have a bit more real-world experience.
It all comes down to the lack of trees and cookie cutter landscaping imo. People are not allowed, and
/or don't choose to get creative with their decorative design, and the ambience suffers.
Maybe it's just different where I live, but the suburbs around where I live aren't just single family homes. Yes, single family homes are common, but so are town homes, twin homes, and apartment complexes.Heck, it seems that most of what's going up in the suburbs here are town home complexes. Why don't modern suburbs have much transit? There just isn't the demand. Most people here own a car and are used to the efficiency and flexibility of driving one. Apparently my experiences are different. I don't view suburbs much different than older primarily single house neighborhoods.
This. There are incredible amounts of videos about how cities are so great. But its a lie. Costs are much higher, crime is much greater and truthfully even entertainment is not that accessible. Back when I lived in NYC I went to Broadway about every other year. It's totally not worth it. Very expensive, lots of pick pockets etc.
"Why don't modern suburbs have much transit? There just isn't the demand."
It's not just the lack of demand for it -- it's that modern suburban residents in the US specifically demand _not_ to have it. They fear that if their neighborhoods are transit-accessible from anywhere in the metro area, then Those People will come to their neighborhoods and commit crimes. It's not rational, but then again racism never was rational.
@@Zalis116 I don't know a single person who thinks that way.
@@Zalis116 LOL. Everyone knows criminals can drive.
The only one that thinks this way is wacky leftists. Suburbs don't have public transportation because it is ONLY efficient if you pack people into them. A bus is only efficient if it is mostly filled. A train is ONLY efficient if lots of people use them.
@@Zalis116Santa Monica CA built transit. Now people from skid row commit crimes in Santa Monica Wanting public safety isn't racist.
I thought i was the only feeling this way. Although I apreciated the quite life of the subors but sometimes feels very lonely and isolated
wow, I’m not from the USA, but those suburbs look just terrible, especially for someone like me who cannot drive 😮
“This is a typical American suburb” in Canada.
Not much difference
I think this video could be better if you made it specific to your city (Toronto I assume) and not “North America” which somehow left Mexico out since a lot of points you made are non applicable or just false for many cities. Then you kinda went from talking about new car dependent suburbs to downtowns? Not only way off topic but at 1:39 you showed old maps of downtown Houston and mentioned the “destruction” of Americans downtowns. Dude smh. Downtown Houston in the 70’s was half parking lot and less than 10,000 residents. 3 train lines, a ton of residential spaces (both high rise and mid rise), and tons of other amenities now exist there. Not only is that the opposite of destruction but you picked North America’s most racially diverse city to talk about “segregation by design” which isn’t just misleading, it’s an outright lie. Houston is also North America’s largest city WITHOUT zoning laws. Stick to one city and topic and make it factual rather than make outlandish generalizations for a continent. Your editing skills are very good btw and I think you have lots of potential to make some great content. I myself have been very opposed to the sprawling car centrist suburbia but I think you’re trying to cover waaaaay too much in too little time that it just didn’t make sense. I can only assume these points being made are Toronto specific because I didn’t find any to be factual for TX cities or suburbs at all.
PS: like Montréal, Houston has an underground tunnel system lol. For those wondering “where is everyone??” Bruh probably underground, it’s hot AF here for half the year lol. Same with MTL folks during winter. Has nothing to do with city planning, it’s just the weather.
The modern American-style suburb was DESIGNED to be exclusionary. To specifically keep out the non-Whites and poor people in general. These days it’s more about separating the classes though. That is absolutely true. That’s why “Euclidean” zoning exists in the first place, it’s an archaic/outdated concept that should have been left behind in the 20th century.
If you think this is bs, feel free to read up on “Segregation By Design”. There’s also a really good video by a TH-cam channel called “Climate Town” titled: “The Suburbs Are Bleeding America Dry”. Remember people aren’t saying that suburb themselves are bad (they’ve been around for thousands of years). It’s the way America (and Canada) in particular builds them: to be car dependent and exclusionary.
@@kwasiahenkora6583 If I think? 😂 ma’am I’m Mexican and love In cypress, a majority Hispanic suburb. If it was DeSiGnEd to keep POC out, how did that happen? 🤔 it’s also 21% black. Cute homework assignment tho lol
@@MiguelitoD770 💀 and your name is your profile name 🤦🏿♀️ but I’m sure that wasn’t noticed in their rush to “educate” as the young generation calls their misinformation rants. I guess that person also figure us “non whites” aren’t just incapable of homeownership or independent thought/choice, but being able to eloquently and respectfully state some points that counter their narrative lmao. I also stay in Houston and just wanted to add Fresno is a majority black suburb and Sugar Land is majority Asian with one of the biggest Pakistani communities.I work in real estate/mortgage and sorry but anyone talking about any segregation, red lining, whatever after 1964 aren’t worth my time talking to. The woe is me persona is their real fixation. Not walking to the farmers market. 😒😂
@@kwasiahenkora6583Here’s the issue I have with this video.. You can’t cookie cut one solution for every city. The content creators (most of which have never been to the cities they complain about) present stereotypes and biases they have for their own city and project it everywhere like everyone agrees them. Unfortunately they don’t. This video proves that.. He used a bunch of videos about Houston Texas not knowing that Houston is one of the most diverse racially tolerant cities in the US. It’s also one of the fastest growing. Could it be better? Of course! But people do come here (and many other sun belt cities) to live the lives that this guy complains about. Montréal isn’t Houston, Toronto isn’t Dallas or Phoenix..
@@MiguelitoD770 It was designed that way in the past. The past. That’s not even the problem anymore it has more to do with bad urban planning among other things. Don’t speak about it unless you’ve read up on it. It was literally written into several city’s laws decades ago ( I forget which ones, but it’s in the video I mentioned in my first comment). Reread my comment again, I wasn’t saying they’re doing it today. But the current design of American suburbs is for this reason. We just need to update it to not be so car-centric.
When my family moved back to france, the first year we lived in an old ass farm manor with a huge attached yard and completely hidden behind a giant gate in the suburbs of the main city. But right down the street, literally 2 min away, was an apartment complex where my best friend lived, a small grocery store, a pastry shop and of course a bus stop that would take you straight to the downtown, stopping by all the big box stores along the way.
So clearly a balance is possible if you habe the political will to do it
Car-dependence screw many countries. I am from Poland which is getting more and more car dependent and some ppl are violent to idea of not using car. I used to live in Toronto and now in Switzerland. Switzerland has the best of one the best public transit system on a planet. I live now in small town in a country side car free and I am not the only one. Kids are taking bus to the other village to meet friends or to school and start their journey towards independence in early elementary school. Swiss are not driving kids to school but kids from a neighborhood or take bus together which is amazing chance to make connections and learn independence. Switzerland is not perfect but their approach to transit is great. ALL places are walkable. Almost every village have bus, some train stations!!!, and one bus is shared by three or more villages being both bus for a village AND between village and takes ppl to the nearest, larger train station. I have car enthusiast in my workplace, but I am making it clear I am not against cars but car dependence and forcing ppl who shouldn't drive to drive. It is all about giving choice. Many Swiss ppl have sport cars and fancy family SUVs and still use trains as this is lifestyle.
NAILED IT!
Americans wouldn't let small children loose in the community under any circumstances!!! And the US government isn't about providing every possible option. Things get done when a very large number of constituents want something, and that hasn't happened with regard to restructuring the entire country. Small cities where people want this could have it if they lobby for it.
Sorry but that is not true for the average swiss person. I grew up in Switzerland and now live in Germany.
The problem in Switzerland is that the public transportation in the city resp. suburbs is mostly overcrowded, enormously expensive and inefficient, if you want to get out of town.
@@ceooflonelinessinc.267 it is expensive and crowded but my point was it is possible to live in a small town without a car. I use GA travel card to get anywhere I want or need. Car is an option not necessity. This is my experience at least.
You should have the choice. And in Switzerland the goverment does a lot to hinder people from using a car. @@Erintii
I agree. Spot on. Well done sir, well done.
I'll take my boring suburbs over crime ridden, "diverse" cities any day.
Sounds like an American problem. Canadian cities have their rougher neighborhoods but hardly anyone thinks of Canadian cities as crime ridden, just busy.
@@reckonerwheel5336 too cold in Canada criminals dont don’t do crime in cold instead they play call of duty
As for cities that don’t have crime?
This was incredibly insightful, subbed 👍
Excellent observations and I’m glad you discussed the history of America’s housing.
I used to live in Astoria, and it offered the best of both worlds: my apartment was in a two story family home with the whole block having the suburban vibe and two blocks down we had the 30th Ave (formerly Grand Avenue) thoroughfare with restaurants, bars, grocery stores and cafes.
the people commenting arguments against this are sad, they are not facepalm worthy but its something more closely related to ignorance. They give reasons to live in a suburb but dont know there are simple solutions that form themselves whith the design. (Also this hasnt been mentioned but its another good part of having non suburbs is that its better for the environment less car travel more walking biking and public transport)
Great observations
I live in the typical european suburb. I would give everything to live in an US suburb.
Then my fingers crossed you will find such place in Europe or you will be able to move to the US and Canada. My country, Poland is getting more and more car dependent and there are places outside Warsaw where you can have this lifestyle. I cannot say his affordable they are but exists.
Okay?
Suburbs FTW!
If you don’t go to the pool, a jog, or walk a dog then it’s a depressing hell scape. Grass is always greener
Why? I would give everything to live in a European suburb. American suburbs are lifeless dull boring golden cage. All you hear is contant lawn mowers and cars driving by. Day after day it looks the same, 50 years goes by and it looks like 50 years ago, people just drive newer cars.
I live in the suburbs and it wasn’t that bad until a 55+ and older neighborhood moved in, killed all the trees and now there is a road that got expanded because of the traffic that took 2 years to get built. In my part of the city there is a 50 mph road that splits what I call bad capitalism, and then good capitalism. The good side has side walks for golf carts that people used to use all the time. Sadly, no one uses their golf carts and everyone just makes the road get all trafficy
I was always suburb guy and I myself own a nice big house in typical suburban subdivision. I have to agree with you that it's hard to socialize but I still prefer to live here ;)
Exactly
it's heaven for me too. looking forward to move into one.
I wish I lived in the suburbs instead of a small apartment. I'd be friends with all my neighbors like hello neighbor.
downtown’s have become too expensive, dirty, homeless,over crowded, rude, loud etc. Suburbs are more of the”American dream”
Idk, I just moved out of the city to a suburb. It’s nice to have the peace of my neighborhood, and it’s much quieter than my apartment where I often woke to people yelling and fighting outside my window, to the idiot above me yodeling out his window at 2am, and to students throwing parties until the early morning hours. I was tired of the constant subway and ambulance noises, and tired of having homeless people sleeping in my building’s foyer. A one bedroom cost almost $3k where I lived, and I had to shuttle my daughter across the street to avoid having her see a homeless man with his pants down, had to shuttle her away from the drug dealers one block from my apartment, and I had to drive out of the city to bring my daughter to the park because homeless people kept pouring large vats of urine out next to the playground and washing their clothes in the water-bottle refill area. The city was great - I loved it. But, until we can tackle social problems like drug addiction and homelessness, I will take the suburbs.
Stop voting Democrat and things will change for the better.
Most of these pop urbanists I call them on TH-cam, have a very idealistic view of apartment life. The average working class schmuck gets a 70s or older drafty thin wall building, old carpet, dirty blinds, old dirty kitchen, nasty carpet, a smelly noisy ac, nasty rat dumpsters outside, nasty laundry room that's always being used, and the whole building gets to smell what the one Indian family cooked yesterday.
For a mortgage of about the same amount of rent paid, life is just more comfortable and you get equity.
Agreed. I’m from and still live in the inner city and one thing I notice a lot is how it’s never even mentioned that low and mid Income people are leaving cities due to money. If I didn’t purchase my home when I did, I wouldn’t be here to begin with. And why the mention of race? If it’s gonna he mentioned, why not mention all the people of all different backgrounds having to move far out as well due to rising costs of housing? Even those who can afford it may not want to spend the money on top of dealing with crime.
I believe that's not the question of the video. He promotes to make the suburbs better.
People like this commenter just love to lie, because they know all the things they mentioned also happen in suburbs. We have to stop debating in good faith with liars like this commenter. If you don't deal with the underlying issues, then nothing changes. People like this KNOW THAT, they just don't care.
Excellent video! You put into words what many people feel in these non-places North America loves to create. I think the increased housing costs alone in Streetcar Suburbs is enough to indicate that people want to be in these places, and not enough of them exist.
I agree with your video but living in suburbs is mostly every one dream (mostly my), I rather live in a suburbs than living in the city or living in a bad environment.
I remember living in Germany where downstairs was a chicken place and the back door of the place lead into my so called apartment type multi use complex’s…. Across from me just next door was a movie theater but for Sundance type films and adjacent to the across the street was a normal movie theater. You could just watch people from your window lining up for a movie. Down the street was more multi use buildings with shops below. When you are born into this, you except the world to be this way. Malls are constructed differently! Which does have a small sparking lot for the grocery underground next to the mall which is basically a tall cone shaped building with each floor occupying a different store. School was walkable, so no bus needed! Living in this big town in Germany! No cars hardly ever needed. Most of my family hardly owned cars and you were basically low income, but didn’t feel like you were unless you come to America and low income neighborhoods just suck! Cookie cutter type homes where that’s the norms and even middle or upper middle tier neighborhoods aren’t that much better, but they do have sidewalks. Older cities in America have traces of how it used to be. I would say, Bethlehem,pa is one. Most of the neighborhoods have sidewalks, which is missing in most suburbs. Without sidewalks; the walkability of connecting neighborhoods isn’t possible. Those of your that are afraid of 15 minute city or a different version of suburbia prefer communism type dystopia! You hate secular communism, but prefers those neighborhoods! A contradiction.
I lived in a mixed use development, or as you referred to as a residential area with a “third place”, and it was awful. The noise from food/alcohol delivery trucks is constant all day, as bars and restaurants downstairs & across the street, received their deliveries. Then there’s the constant noise from cars and party buses dropping ppl off. Not to mention the drunken loud ppl roaming around shortly after closing, walking up & down the street yelling & being obnoxious. Traffic congestion is horrible in these areas as well. Coming home from work was a chore! Nah I like my suburbs to be suburbs and quiet residential only! If I want fun and a third place, I’ll drive to it. Keep that noise away from me. Garbage trucks waking me up at 3AM nightly, to empty commercial sized dumpsters full of alcohol bottles is not fun or make for a good night’s sleep.
Exactly
You got a point, living in car dependent suburbia does have its advantages
Yeah it really does. I mean I get what he’s saying, but let’s be real here. Most young people aren’t buying homes. It’s married couples, people with kids, and older people. It’s a family environment. Parents aren’t looking to go hang out and socialise after work. They are getting off work, running errands, getting the kids situatied, making dinner, and relaxing, before going to bed, just to do it all over again the next day lol. Welcome to family life 😂
@@ndub7491 Im sorry but you are wrong here, you living in a bad mixed residential area doesnt mean that its bad overall. To be honest i just think that public in America sucks in general. I live pretty much in the very centre of a 400k city and its totally fine, yes there are some streets that are more noisy, but there are also very calm parts and everyone can choose what he likes the best. But anywhere you are, there is a cafe, restaurant, pub and so many more things that are in a walkable distance and you can get anywhere in like 20 minutes by public transport. Car dependancy is a bad thing and suburbs could be much better if it was planned properly.
I’m wrong? So being awakened to garbage trucks daily at 3-4AM is all good? Well maybe for you it is, but not for me. I’m sure others don’t mind. Which is why you all can have it. Just as you say living in a mixed use development isn’t all bad, neither is living in a quiet residential only suburb. You knew it was that way when you moved there. You want noise, excitement & fun? Then move to the city. Don’t try to convert the suburbs to the noise & congestion of the city. That’s why people move out of the city in the first place. What’s the point of the suburbs if it has all the same noise and congestion as the city? Thats mental. Of course public transport in America sucks, duh it’s America! America was not built with the intention of being like Europe. Also, the big oil companies love America’s car dependency. They wouldn’t have it any other way. But don’t say I’m wrong here. It’s just a matter of opinion. Different strokes for different folks. But everything I said is a fact. Mixed use developments are high-traffic areas that are extremely noisy. Depending on your building, perhaps it’s more quiet inside your flat.
As bad as they are, they are no worse than urban areas. I'd prefer living either on a farm or a small town that is fairly walkable.
I enjoy living in a suburb. It's peaceful.
You mean, you wouldn't rather live in a dirty crime ridden city?? I agree with you and these comments just seem like a bunch of unhappy people in their lives.
@@GeneralFrankenberrydid you pay any attention...
It depends on what happiness is. There is a person who wants to be gregarious, but there is also a person who loves lonely and wants to be isolated from society.
Great video, I really enjoyed your analysis and visuals to simply explain what can be improved with suburbs to simply reduce loneliness and improve community togetherness. Any examples of good suburbs with mixed use and more third places that you allude to in the video?
New haven CT
I think it really depends on a person. I dont like being surrounded with so many people. I am happy being home, enjoy my balcony and just being home. I also enjoy going to work. I think it really depends.
I appreciate new youtubers creating content on urban planning, but big chunks of this video appear to be plagarised directly from Not Just Bikes' video "The Great Places Erased by Suburbia (the Third Place)" chopped up & slightly rearranged. Sections of this are word-for-word identical to those in that video. Other sections sound uncannily familiar too.
I recently subscrbed, but I don't think I can follow a channel that openly plagarises other creators.
He just points out the same staggering problems with car centric suburbs as every other urbanist channel. Not just bikes didn’t come up with those concepts they are simply what is concluded by city developers.
@@jalifritz8033He literally copied VERBATIM
These TH-camrs are on a goal to take away my suburbs and demand we live near crime ridden cities next to each other because of jealousy!
I clicked on this video thinking it was a "Not Just Bikes" video because of the thumbnail alone. Suspish.
I loved to live in a suburb of Lakewood, Colorado. The routine you described was exactly like that, drive to work, stop by to buy some things and do some things and drive back home.... But at the weekends or when I was in the mood we used to drive till Downtown Denver or Rino do have some beers and socialize... I miss the peaceful routine to live in the suburb.... And btw a person can feel lonely and depressed even living in big noisy cities... so it's more related to the state of mind than the atmosphere around you....
I lived in a suburb a half-hour drive from San Francisco. I enjoy visiting cities but would never live in one as I don't see the point of paying all the high costs. My home was broken into, ransacked, and robbed four times from 2013 to 2014. I became rightfully paranoid from the first break-in. Living in fear is not worth it when people vote in politicians who are soft on crime. I left my Nextdoor account at that address and it is appalling how the number has drastically increased of posts from people who have become victims of property and violent crime. I'm back in the East Coast in a car-centric suburb with plenty of police cars keeping the area safe. F California! Suburb life is boring, especially when the land is flat with nowhere to go hiking, but I have my community with all kinds of events every few months. Being 14 miles from the ocean makes it all worth it with miles of beaches to walk along the waves and boardwalks to see lots of folks. Every Thursday evenings during Summer months there are large gatherings for fireworks shows.
Sorry you had to deal with having your home broken into multiple times. Any break-ins would have made me paranoid immediately and San Francisco really needs to change it's attitude on crime. That being said, I live in SF and love it. I live in a pretty new neighborhood (Mission Bay) that's pretty safe and walkable but still has density and things to do (plus access to the rest of the city). If you ever come back to SF, please come check out the Mission Bay neighborhood!
I lived in a city for 37 years and I was tired. I now live in a suburb for 23 years and I like it. It all depends on your preference.
@@Kyth-g7pMy parents were like you kinda, they grew up in inner cities and moved to suburbs when they had me and my sister, I have a lot of family back in the city they’re from so we visit a lot but I envy not growing up from where they’re from. The suburbs are dull and there’s no connection. My childhood was very isolated and I needed to be driven everywhere to do any activities. Suburbs aren’t meant for human connection they’re made for older people who don’t mind solitude