Crime and transit
(https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/why-does-america-feel-worse-than)[Why does America feel worse than other countries? Crime.]
In other words, while car-centric suburbanization is partially about people wanting lots of cheap land and big houses and peace and quiet, part of it is a defense-in-depth against America’s persistently high crime rates.
This is a data-backed post that does a much better job of articulating what I’ve been saying for years: “the problem with public transit is the public.” I’ve generally enjoyed my (very limited) interactions with transit in NYC/Chicago where it’s actually a viable way to get around. I’ve never once considered relocating to a place where car use would be optional, though. The why is exactly as Noah puts it: I like having more space, but also want the quality-of-life guarantees that implicitly come from suburban living. Until the variables change, I doubt I or others in my position are likely to vote differently with their feet and wallets.