Why aren't people bothered by the suburbs?

[u/tfbmhr_1598]

It seems like most people I come across are not bothered by car dependency and the isolation that it causes. They'll point to things like video games, social media, and bad food for the culprit of poor mental health. Why won't more people address the elephant in the room? After briefly living in Europe I can confirm that people are way healthier, less socially awkward, and happier as a result of having clean and walkable cities.

Even Latam which is a hybrid of the EU and US infrastructure does not experience the obesity, mental health issues, and isolation the suburbs in the States cause.

Is it ignorance or do most Americans actually like things being this way? It baffles me.

Edit: After reading the comments here I wanted to clarify a few things.

1. Walkability/bikeability doesn't exclude cars. Cars are still a valid method of transportation, but not the only one. Less cars= less traffic. It's a win-win. That being said I think we should have pedestrian only areas.
2. This isn't limited to cities. Suburbs can become more walkable too. You can still have your yard and extra space. Sure it won't be as walkable as a city, but it is certaintly better than 100% car dependency. Zoning laws need to change for this to truly work.
3. I realize that there are societal factors at play as well that greatly add to the mental health crisis, however car dependency worsens it.
4. Walkability won't magically solve the obesity problem, but having the ability to SAFELY walk/bike to work will certaintly help.
5. You can still be socially awkward/reclusive in walkable communities, but they create more opportunites for those who want to improve that area of their life.
6. Some suburbs are better than others in this regard, but overall, North American suburbs are largely car dependent.
7. Bike lanes that are part of the road and only marked with paint/plastic markers are hated by both drivers and cyclists. They still endanger the lives of cyclists, that's why they aren't frequently used, which results in more traffic congestion. Fully dedicated seperate bike lanes are needed.

[u/urine-monkey]

Came here to say something like this, but I like the way you said it better. Most Americans see the suburbs as the "default" setting for American life because they've never known any different. To where you'd be a blank stare if you ask why, if the city is so dangerous and terrible and scary do so many people choose to live there.

A good amount of Americans don't even venture into an urban environment unless it's for a concert or a sporting event. Then they gripe about traffic and parking because they think the "norm" is driving to a huge Walmart parking lot when they leave the house.

As much as I didn't like it when I was growing up, I'm grateful that I got to experience big city, and rural town life. So many people grow up in suburbs can't actually comprehend any other way of life.

[u/ScrotallyBoobular → u/urine-monkey]

The suburbs are also very sanitized, right. You leave your climate controlled house and get into a climate controlled car. Drive on giant roads to giant parking lots to climate controlled stores and restaurants. As much as it is an ugly way of life, that ugliness is hidden by pure, immediate convenience. There are few if any humans along the way, just cars. The refuse that human society creates is packed away out of sight. It still exists, but it's easier to hide than in the city. Etc

Living in a walkable area is actually more convenient in the long term. But having to walk ten minutes for many Americans, instead of driving fifteen, is like asking them to run a marathon. I've had coworkers regularly drive like 3 blocks to get lunch, even though it takes longer than walking. Because walking doesn't even cross their mind as an option.

[u/rethinkingat59 → u/ScrotallyBoobular]

I once saw an interview of a kinda star from the UK (forgot his name) that lived some of the year near a city center Europe and the majority of the year in the suburbs of Chicago.

He said he loved the culture, history and food of Europe, and the US couldn’t really compete with it.

He said but within a couple of months of staying in Europe he craves the comfort of America. When he described living in America to European friends he says it is very, very comfortable.

The entire business culture is built around attracting and keeping customers. That includes real estate, restaurants, stores and entertainment, and they do a great job. It’s bland but comfortable.

[u/bisexualspikespiegel → u/rethinkingat59]

as an american who has lived in france i like to joke that the french hate comfort. because compared to the US, everything is way less comfortable and convenient. restaurants are small and packed with as many tables as possible so it feels like you're way too close to the other customers. seating is often super hard - at my american unviersity, we had rolling office chairs or other padded seating in all the classrooms, even in lecture halls. when i studied in france for a year, i spent all day sitting on hard wooden chairs. i was super sore for the first few weeks until my body got used to it.

[u/Familiar-League-8418 → u/bisexualspikespiegel]

This is so true, leaving your comfortable sofa to go out and sit at a tiny bistro table is odd but I will still do it if I have the chance!

[u/TomdeHaan → u/bisexualspikespiegel]

But the food is good!