I often wonder if the standard approach to housing is the best we can do. About 70% of Americans live in a suburb, which means that this design pattern affects our lives – where we shop, how we eat, who we know – more than any other part of modern life.
There's a lot to like about suburbs – the privacy, autonomy, space, quiet atmosphere, and opportunity to build wealth all make them an attractive option for millions of people. But at the same, I have experienced some serious challenges to my own happiness in my time living as a suburbanite and I suspect that some of our country’s health problems and general malaise could be traced back to isolated living.
We are the richest country in the history of the world and the average person is still not particularly happy. Let's take a moment to ask a simple question – could a different kind of housing help make us happier?
When I was in college, I enjoyed having people around that I could play frisbee or cards with in the evenings. It was nice to know that there was usually someone who would be up for grabbing dinner or studying together. There was a shared aspect to free time that was fun.