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Almost all of these are historic urban centers which were built to a human scale because that's the only scale they had at the time. They only needed enough room for people, cows, and horses to get through.
I found it to be very human-scaled and I enjoyed living there. But by the time I moved away, I was ready to leave. It's a different lifestyle than that which is found in auto-oriented suburbs. One can argue whether it's better or worse (the OP will surely say that it's better), but I grew up in the auto-oriented suburbs, and it was to them that I returned. We all have our preferences in life.
I found it to be very human-scaled and I enjoyed living there. But by the time I moved away, I was ready to leave. It's a different lifestyle than that which is found in auto-oriented suburbs. One can argue whether it's better or worse (the OP will surely say that it's better), but I grew up in the auto-oriented suburbs, and it was to them that I returned. We all have our preferences in life.
It's a pretty street.
I lived in Sunnyside NY. It's pretty typical Queens housing.
Almost all of these are historic urban centers which were built to a human scale because that's the only scale they had at the time. They only needed enough room for people, cows, and horses to get through.
Yes! These are not housing for a large family. Two bedrooms with a study/office room is the typical Sunnyside townhouse size. More than two kids, these houses feel cramped.
These are not neighborhoods for middle class, typical families. These neighborhood housing starts at a million dollars and most are over two or three million dollars. Many residents in these neighborhoods have summer houses where their kids can run around and see nature.
Also most are in old cities with lousy public schools and private schools are expensive.
Families still need transportation - outside of public transportation or walking. Picking up a week's worth of groceries or a box of diapers is too big to carry or put in the bottom of a baby stroller. Transportation to a doctor' office in bad weather for a sick child is necessary. All sorts of situations where a car is a lifesaver.
As a retired person (no kids at home), if I had a couple of extra million dollars for housing I would chose a DC or Sunnyside townhouse. Pittsburgh is more affordable, but it's so darn cold in winter. It's just not in the cards for me and for most people.
So why doesn't cities build areas like this now? Well, there are new areas of Washington DC built to blend in with the older houses. It's just expensive. A bigger house for a growing family is super expensive and beyond the reach of typical middle class families.
Suburban land is cheaper so developers give houses more land as an incentive to live there. People like to have a small garden and privacy from neighbors. Land give kids a place to run around without wandering into traffic.
Suburban land is cheaper so developers give houses more land as an incentive to live there. People like to have a small garden and privacy from neighbors. Land give kids a place to run around without wandering into traffic.
People don't need an "incentive" to live there. They prefer it. A yard and privacy are fundamental requirements for many - not a condiment to make suburban housing more appealing as you imply. In addition, the items you list under "there are a couple of issues" for city housing are reasons to avoid those places in the entirety for many.
Almost all of these are historic urban centers which were built to a human scale because that's the only scale they had at the time. They only needed enough room for people, cows, and horses to get through.
I found it to be very human-scaled and I enjoyed living there. But by the time I moved away, I was ready to leave. It's a different lifestyle than that which is found in auto-oriented suburbs. One can argue whether it's better or worse (the OP will surely say that it's better), but I grew up in the auto-oriented suburbs, and it was to them that I returned. We all have our preferences in life.
The streets and especially the junctions are slightly oversized I would say, but it is definitely okay.
It's definitely better than what is built these days in suburbs.
People don't need an "incentive" to live there. They prefer it. A yard and privacy are fundamental requirements for many - not a condiment to make suburban housing more appealing as you imply. In addition, the items you list under "there are a couple of issues" for city housing are reasons to avoid those places in the entirety for many.
You're right! A yard, wildlife, plants/nature, privacy, etc. are all good incentives.
That is one freaking ugly street. No wildlife and few plants/trees/bushes/flowers. Ugh! So depressing!
If the suburbs are so ugly, what about towns like Atlantic Highlands, also nearby Fair Haven, Little Silver, Rumson - all in NJ. Also Madison, Chatham, Florham Park - also all in NJ. Westwood, Needham, Medfield, Dover - all in MA. Cape Cod has lovely suburban areas. Yorktown NY has lovely suburbs too as well as nearby Somers, Katonah, Bedford. There are more pretty towns and suburbs in the USA vs. your ugly post.
You're right! A yard, wildlife, plants/nature, privacy, etc. are all good incentives.
That is one freaking ugly street. No wildlife and few plants/trees/bushes/flowers. Ugh! So depressing!
If the suburbs are so ugly, what about towns like Atlantic Highlands, also nearby Fair Haven, Little Silver, Rumson - all in NJ. Also Madison, Chatham, Florham Park - also all in NJ. Westwood, Needham, Medfield, Dover - all in MA. Cape Cod has lovely suburban areas. Yorktown NY has lovely suburbs too as well as nearby Somers, Katonah, Bedford. There are more pretty towns and suburbs in the USA vs. your ugly post.
Apparently someone doesn't like modern architecture.
Apparently someone doesn't like modern architecture.
It's not modern architecture. The NYC Guggenheim Museum by Frank Lloyd Wright is gorgeous modern. His Frank Lloyd Wright Room at the Metropolitan Museum shows how his Prairie Style architecture is really livable and wonderful.
I. M Pei is great! I loved his design of Mastercard's Purchase office, Le Grand Louvre, National Gallery of Art East Building are some of my favorite buildings (I've seen myself).
I just don't like living in a monochromatic concrete apartment. It doesn't fill my senses with happiness.
That is one freaking ugly street. No wildlife and few plants/trees/bushes/flowers. Ugh! So depressing!
I agree. That is one terrible street. All the buildings are harsh, boxy structures with flat roofs. Hardscape surfaces dominate over grass. There might be one tree in view that is not even half as tall as the buildings. That is one of the least inviting landscapes I have ever seen and that is based on looks alone. I don't even have to delve into the functional limitations that constantly come up in these discussions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stadtmensch
Apparently someone doesn't like modern architecture.
Modern is not a synonym for good.
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