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Start your review of The Cease of the Suburbs: Where the American Dream Is Moving

Sep 27, 2013 Sherrie rated it liked it

I enjoyed reading this volume, perhaps (probably?) because I hold with so many of its premises. I'd similar to see sprawl come to an end in the way that the author describes. And yet....She skips lightly over a number of topics that impact people living in cities, the most important one to me existence schools. Public educational activity in near every major city in the land is a mess, and the good and/or individual schools either toll a lot or are bursting at the seams. I got the feeling Ms. Gallagher felt that I enjoyed reading this book, perhaps (probably?) because I agree with so many of its bounds. I'd similar to see sprawl come to an end in the way that the writer describes. And yet....She skips lightly over a number of topics that bear on people living in cities, the most important one to me being schools. Public teaching in virtually every major city in the country is a mess, and the proficient and/or private schools either toll a lot or are bursting at the seams. I got the feeling Ms. Gallagher felt that the schools would improve as people moved; schools are something that need to be in place Before people move. I live in Michigan, shut to the cities of Detroit, Flint and Saginaw, all of which have been ravaged by the events Ms. Gallagher describes in her volume. (Detroit has alleged defalcation since this book was published, and I'd similar to know how that might alter her viewpoint) There are really parts of Detroit that measure out up to her descriptions, especially in the Wayne State University area (a new Whole Foods!) but there is and then much more to do. As to Flint and Saginaw, "The Finish of the Suburbs" fails to address the bug of mid-sized cities that accept fallen upon difficult times. I don't run into any corporations moving their headquarters to these cities, or any renovations of downtowns, or frankly anything at all except big, shuttered auto plants and a lot of empty houses. It's going to take a lot more a new grocery shop to bring these cities, and others like them, back, and this book is noticeably silent on that. ...more

Aug 04, 2013 Alvin rated it it was ok

I'1000 sorry to give this book just two stars for fear that GoodReads won't recommend like topics.

Only although I like to read and mind to Leigh Gallagher (on NPR), I call back this book is more suited to be an in-depth magazine feature commodity than a book.

I say that considering the factual information on demographic and residential preference changes are presented well and she includes the public policy decisions that fostered suburban growth. She covers the mortgage involvement tax deduction, single-use zoning

I'thousand pitiful to requite this book only two stars for fearfulness that GoodReads won't recommend similar topics.

But although I like to read and listen to Leigh Gallagher (on NPR), I think this book is more suited to be an in-depth mag feature article than a book.

I say that because the factual data on demographic and residential preference changes are presented well and she includes the public policy decisions that fostered suburban growth. She covers the mortgage involvement tax deduction, single-employ zoning, subsidies for auotmobiles and petroleum. All very informative and used to build a case for what I will paraphrase as "The greatest misallocation of resource in economic history."

But Gallagher goes a footling too deeply into what is called, "New Urbanism" and she appears to exist a cheerleader for the motility. And while I think that changes in the way nosotros develop our residential areas are needed, she should remain dispassionate and analytical, rather than showing favoritism as she does here. For example in describing several new urban developments which include walkable areas, mixed-apply, etc. she spends too much ink on what is good well-nigh them including subjective declarations similar "cool bookstores" or "poetry readings" available in these neighborhoods.

What if I don't like poetry? And what makes a bookstore "cool"?

Describing these developments every bit including front porches and not back porches, and moving them closer to the street so as to encourage sociability is an interesting observation. Simply she cannot seem to hold back her preference for sociability among neighbors when she should but make the observation.

One thing I don't sympathize about GoodReads is how the recommendations are made. Is it simply based on field of study area? Or on positive/negative reviews of books in a particular subject?

I enquire because I bask books on the history of social phenomena like suburbs but I call up this one could accept been pared down to near 100 pages, if the writer'southward preferences and favoritism were omitted.

I hope GoodReads doesn't accept my two-star review and fail to recommend like books on the topic. I'thou always willing to requite something a effort.

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October 02, 2014 Lyra rated information technology did not similar it

There are a number of interesting ideas, and the sections regarding the history of the suburbs and the "New Urbanist" move seem to be solid, only this book is so problematic. The logical holes drain coherency from the overall argument.

Information technology's hard to buy the writer's assertion that the suburbs are coming to an stop at confront value. This is not to say the book has no value. It would be expert for a group discussion to meet how having a predetermined decision shapes evidence selection, data manipulat

At that place are a number of interesting ideas, and the sections regarding the history of the suburbs and the "New Urbanist" movement seem to exist solid, but this book is so problematic. The logical holes drain coherency from the overall argument.

It'south hard to buy the author'southward exclamation that the suburbs are coming to an finish at face up value. This is not to say the book has no value. It would be skillful for a group discussion to see how having a predetermined conclusion shapes evidence selection, data manipulation and what inquiry an author seeks out to support the idea.

The so-called "overwhelming" truth also covers up actual facts. Baseball stadiums put me over the edge in terms of accepting data presentation. On the "countless" stadiums built since the year 1990, all were "built in the urban core." Outset off, hither are less than 30 baseball teams and the Cubs, for example, still play in the aforementioned stadium. The implied context for this urban revival suggests all these teams moved from the suburbs. I don't know all the teams that moved to a new stadium during this time catamenia, simply a number of these stadiums were congenital within walking altitude of the old one. The Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds come to mind. This ane modest point illustrated to me how much manipulation occurred. If nil else, Gallagher understands the principles of persuasive writing and how to stretch material that could make several well written and engaging stand alone articles into a lengthy book.

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Gallagher sees a tendency, a reverse of what went on during the 1950s and 60s. During those years, fueled past ads, the media and mobility, Americans moved to suburbia to find their American dream. Now we find that many are weary of the commutes to work, play and all else. Many one-time-timers and those just starting out, are seeking relief and moving to more than densely populated multiple family dwellings that are closer to work and play.

Gallagher has a well-baked, tight writing style that is piece of cake to follow and

Gallagher sees a trend, a reverse of what went on during the 1950s and 60s. During those years, fueled by ads, the media and mobility, Americans moved to suburbia to find their American dream. Now we detect that many are weary of the commutes to piece of work, play and all else. Many old-timers and those just starting out, are seeking relief and moving to more densely populated multiple family unit dwellings that are closer to work and play.

Gallagher has a crisp, tight writing manner that is like shooting fish in a barrel to follow and a pleasure to read. She offers data on the miracle of relocation going on. She cites several examples of successful urban communities with interviews of residents. That is where I run into trouble. While I practice not dispute the phenomenon or the advantages of high-density urban living, it is not perfect. Her interviewees were carefully selected to support her thesis, also few of them with negative opinions of urban living. Some years back, I worked in the structure industry, and many of my projects were exactly what she described, a sleep upstairs work/play downstairs arrangement. Many have gone on and get huge successes. Others have failed miserably and share the same problems of troubled high-density communities--drugs, prostitution, and other crimes. A lot depends on management, delivery of the residents, and the local government to brand something like this piece of work. Withal, this is a skillful read but should be done with an open mind.

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Not the best volume I take read on this subject, but definitely non the worst either. Gallagher seems to have trouble non being an investigative reporter when she's trying to present enquiry on a very relevant topic. She hammers away with an exorbitant corporeality of examples when making a point, equally if calculation some other, then some other, example volition further ground her argument. (Hither'southward a hint: over-assay destroys wholes, and as well many examples dilutes and weakens a strong viewpoint.) The result of too ma Not the best book I have read on this subject area, but definitely not the worst either. Gallagher seems to have trouble non being an investigative reporter when she's trying to present inquiry on a very relevant topic. She hammers away with an exorbitant amount of examples when making a point, as if calculation another, and so another, example will further basis her argument. (Here'due south a hint: over-analysis destroys wholes, and too many examples dilutes and weakens a strong viewpoint.) The result of likewise many examples was that, in several places, this book dragged and became tiresome to read, and I'one thousand a huge nerd (and fan) of the topic. Journalistic exposes don't always positively contribute to academic topics, and this is an example of that.

Gallagher also could benefit from a potent editor who understands proper grammar. There were times in the book when the elements of mode seemed suspended. It fabricated her writing look poor.

There are definitely better books out there on this subject field.

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Sep 11, 2021 Yvonne rated it really liked it

I enjoyed this, and I have to say it gets an extra star for the thorough footnotes.

It seems like I've read a lot of these kinds of books, of the genre I will characterization "pop-urban planning". Well-nigh all have taken a thesis and provided disarming arguments that their thesis is correct. This is of the kind, and takes the popular pro-urbanization tact. In this case, pro-urbanization is anti-suburb, at least in the title and nigh of the rhetoric. Yet the author also includes anecdotes that describe possible paths forward for those suburbs, including high-density fake urban centers. I'm southward Information technology seems like I've read a lot of these kinds of books, of the genre I volition label "pop-urban planning". Virtually all take taken a thesis and provided convincing arguments that their thesis is correct. This is of the kind, and takes the popular pro-urbanization tact. In this instance, pro-urbanization is anti-suburb, at least in the championship and most of the rhetoric. Yet the author also includes anecdotes that depict possible paths forward for those suburbs, including loftier-density fake urban centers. I'thou seeing that in the suburb I live in, with highrise mixed employ developments replacing the empty ane-story retail centers within two blocks of our commuter railroad train station. The dream is a suburban lifestyle without required car ownership, and that seems possible in many places with mixtures of commercial and residential state uses -- just like the big city. I dislike this book's title, because that is not the entire story revealed in the volume. Suburbs aren't catastrophe, but are, and will continue to be, reconceptualized and rebuilt to meet the changing needs of the population. I institute this a good volume to bring up some of the issues and the opportunities in suburban development, with skillful anecdotes illustrating the authors investigations. The reply I saw here wasn't just flight back to metropolis middle, simply rebuilding a "change-urb". ...more

Oct fourteen, 2013 Desiree rated it really liked it

I received this book from netgalley in commutation for an honest review!

A good sociological study! The author covers how we alive, touching a scrap on ancient times and continuing on into possible future outcomes! This is non a book all about how and why nosotros got to this indicate in our evolution, per se. It generally covers the ramifications and current trends of how and where we live!

The fact that information technology is not laid out in a linear fashion makes it more than readable and more attainable to the average reader. Than

I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

A good sociological study! The author covers how nosotros alive, touching a scrap on ancient times and continuing on into possible future outcomes! This is non a volume all almost how and why we got to this point in our development, per se. It by and large covers the ramifications and current trends of how and where we alive!

The fact that it is not laid out in a linear fashion makes it more readable and more accessible to the average reader. Thankfully, information technology is non laid out similar a textbook, but rather a meandering study, enjoyable similar a Dominicus drive! Some of information technology is a bit repetitious, every bit the author returns back to the people and subjects that she previously touched upon.

I did larn a lot from this wonderful book! Changes in zoning laws are generally to blame for the changes to our mural, as were the redlining policies of lenders. Also, there were numerous other governmental policies, such at the highway human action, that precipitated much of our sprawl!

The time to come seemingly belongs to our cities, and whatever expect around will verify that! Most of the structure I meet going on effectually me, is in fact, in the cities!

Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in how we alive!

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Mar 08, 2020 Robin rated information technology information technology was ok

Meh... Nothing new here - lots of ameliorate books on the topic of cities. This is not a study but 1 person's opinions about other studies. I got the sense that the author asked a few people rather than truly doing some study.

And the writing is... dramatic. A paragraph may begin with "20 years ago" this happened and this is the result, only to finish with "things will never be the same" kind of commentary. Yeah, things alter - equally proven past the previous sentences - but sometimes that change is sloo

Meh... Nothing new here - lots of better books on the topic of cities. This is non a study but ane person'south opinions near other studies. I got the sense that the author asked a few people rather than truly doing some study.

And the writing is... dramatic. A paragraph may brainstorm with "twenty years ago" this happened and this is the upshot, only to end with "things will never be the aforementioned" kind of commentary. Yep, things alter - as proven past the previous sentences - but sometimes that change is sloooow, and sometimes something new comes from the sometime. Hyperbole is rampant hither, and so what's the point? Is this meant to scare people into leaving the suburbs or to keep them from leaving?

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May 16, 2019 Frieda rated it liked information technology

Suburban sprawl has been researched and talked about for many years. What began as the respond to densely populated urban center life, has now go equally dense in major metropolitan areas like NY. Nassau Canton, where I grew up, is now incredibly populated and the traffic can be abominable at random times of the solar day or calendar week. I don't think it is so much the pattern of suburbs that have created a breakup in customs spirit as and then much that there are and so many more people living here and we've learned to Suburban sprawl has been researched and talked nearly for many years. What began as the respond to densely populated city life, has at present become equally dense in major metropolitan areas like NY. Nassau Canton, where I grew up, is at present incredibly populated and the traffic can be abominable at random times of the twenty-four hour period or calendar week. I don't recollect it is and so much the design of suburbs that have created a breakdown in customs spirit as so much that there are and then many more people living here and nosotros've learned to alive in a bubble so to speak. While there are enough of job opportunities in the county, many people opt for the commute into the urban center because the pay is better. And everyone knows that living in NY is not cheap and the cost of living will continue to rise.

I appreciated this book and what Ms. Gallagher was trying to convey. There are many factors that have made life more stressful for about people simply singling out living in the suburbs isn't the only i. The ideas behind the New Urbanism move have potential where design will bring people and amenities more closer together, leaving u.s.a. less dependent upon driving. Living and working in Brooklyn has greatly reduced my need for my car. If suburbs improve their public transportation systems and create safer roads, I could see an comeback in the quality of life while living in there. The fox is to convince people to give up their love of cars and the convenience that information technology gives them.

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February 04, 2017 SpogNYC rated it liked it

I really enjoyed the book and concur with what'southward written, still, it's the stuff that wasn't written that earned it just 3 stars from me. Mayhap because it'south such a complex topic with many facets that the writer didn't expand more on it for fear of the volume expanding to an absurd page count, but the absence of speaking on the topic of gentrification really disappointed me and fabricated her book sound similar a free and informal and a utopian feeling of cities reemergence rather than touching on how long-te I really enjoyed the book and agree with what's written, yet, information technology'south the stuff that wasn't written that earned information technology but three stars from me. Mayhap because it'southward such a complex topic with many facets that the author didn't expand more on information technology for fear of the book expanding to an absurd page count, but the absence of speaking on the topic of gentrification really disappointed me and made her volume sound like a free and breezy and a utopian feeling of cities reemergence rather than touching on how long-term lower and lower eye-class residents of city have been and currently face hardship, displacement, and harrassment to vacate urban neighborhoods due to wealthy upper-middle to upper-form folks moving dorsum to the urban core after realizing how awful the suburbs are. Biased and ranty review by me? Maybe so. Expressing an accurate observation almost this otherwise good book? You daaammmn right. ...more

February 24, 2020 Austin rated information technology it was astonishing

Okay, so this book is a little former now, but I just came beyond it. Most of the other reviews are correct- this book is twenty% bookish literature and 80% tabloid material. The author conveyed an interesting story that notwithstanding holds true in 2020. The American housing landscape is changing. Aye, some instances of causation were misrepresented by information correlations. Yes, the writer has a clear bias toward urban development (fifty-fifty though she tries to caveat her persuasive opinions). However, I even so really Okay, so this book is a little onetime at present, but I merely came across information technology. Nigh of the other reviews are correct- this volume is xx% academic literature and 80% tabloid material. The writer conveyed an interesting story that even so holds truthful in 2020. The American housing landscape is irresolute. Yes, some instances of causation were misrepresented by data correlations. Yes, the writer has a clear bias toward urban evolution (fifty-fifty though she tries to caveat her persuasive opinions). However, I nonetheless really enjoyed the book. I disagree that the suburbs are "ending." I practice agree that the suburbs are certainly changing. As with all literature- have information technology was a grain of salt. ...more

This is an older volume since it was published in 2013 with the information available at that fourth dimension. Until the last year I would have agreed that cities and cottage state were the highest existent manor markets. Now it is more debatable.
Are business organization going to continue with the work from home trend started, or speed up, by Covid-19? If it does and so compact Suburbs with large green infinite, room for home offices and grade space may exist the manner of our housing future. Less driving to work makes these place This is an older volume since it was published in 2013 with the information available at that time. Until the last twelvemonth I would have agreed that cities and cottage land were the highest existent estate markets. Now it is more than debatable.
Are business going to continue with the piece of work from home trend started, or speed upwards, by Covid-19? If it does and then meaty Suburbs with large green infinite, room for home offices and class infinite may exist the fashion of our housing future. Less driving to piece of work makes these places more than affordable.
Fourth dimension will tell of course. ...more than

Sep xxx, 2017 Hillary rated information technology liked it

Reading this 2012 book from the perspective of 2017, parts of it are outdated predictions almost the post-recession economy. Notwithstanding, other parts--like the gentrification and urbanization of suburban communities--are accurately foretold, and it's an interesting report in how the suburbs were shaped and how we cast visions for what they might become--for better or worse. It deserves an updating, simply it's a skilful introduction to the economical and city-planning dynamics that shape suburban lives. Reading this 2012 book from the perspective of 2017, parts of information technology are outdated predictions about the mail service-recession economy. However, other parts--like the gentrification and urbanization of suburban communities--are accurately foretold, and information technology's an interesting study in how the suburbs were shaped and how we cast visions for what they might become--for better or worse. It deserves an updating, but it's a expert introduction to the economic and city-planning dynamics that shape suburban lives. ...more

Oct 28, 2019 Hasan rated it really liked it

Though the volume was written in 2013 and is a wee chip dated, the trends have continued. Traditional suburban communities aren't growing and beingness created at the race they were 20 years agone. Instead, we're seeing more than choices to fit the lifestyles and choices of Americans in the inner ring burbs. More walking and biking friendly and potentially largely gentrified areas. Information technology's a good curt read. Though the book was written in 2013 and is a wee fleck dated, the trends have connected. Traditional suburban communities aren't growing and beingness created at the race they were 20 years agone. Instead, we're seeing more choices to fit the lifestyles and choices of Americans in the inner ring burbs. More than walking and biking friendly and potentially largely gentrified areas. It'south a good short read. ...more

Fun, stimulating read every bit I reflect on these past iii or iv years living in the suburbs for the first time in my life. A skillful introduction to some of the more mainstream artifacts of New Urbanism as well.

Interesting subject. I'k guessing this was an article she was planning on writing, but over researched and decided to make it a book. Probably should have kept it equally an commodity, because half the book is anecdotal or filler cliches.

Feb 21, 2016 Steven Lee rated it really liked it

Book Review: The Cease of the Suburbs past Leigh Gallagher

In The Finish of the Suburbs: Where the American Dream is Moving past Leigh Gallagher makes the statement that the suburban mode of development reached its peak in the 1990s and 2000s and we it has begun its decline every bit the monolithic class of the built surround. As Gallagher makes clear in her decision, the suburbs aren't actually over. With millions of homes built in the suburban mode and millions of Americans still enamoured with the vision o

Book Review: The Terminate of the Suburbs by Leigh Gallagher

In The End of the Suburbs: Where the American Dream is Moving by Leigh Gallagher makes the argument that the suburban mode of development reached its peak in the 1990s and 2000s and we it has begun its decline as the monolithic form of the congenital surroundings. As Gallagher makes clear in her determination, the suburbs aren't actually over. With millions of homes built in the suburban style and millions of Americans even so enamoured with the vision of a big business firm on a piece of land it will likely always remain. However, the author argues, alternative modes of living are becoming more ascendant and reflect a sea change.

Many of the economical and social factors that created the suburbs are in decline or in reverse. It's probably fair to say that we are in the third (maybe fourth?) generation of the suburbs. The logic that created the get-go few versions of the suburbs have broken downwards. The initial suburbs were directly alongside the fundamental city. The inner ring of suburbs that developed adjacent were oft serviced with public transit and were dense and walkable. Notwithstanding for the 2nd, 3rd, and fourth generation of suburbs prospective homebuyers were driven farther into former agricultural areas along freeways. It seems though that the suburban experiment in the 1990s began to attain a bespeak of diminishing returns. Commutes got longer and longer and prices kept climbing. Gallagher writes that many betoken to the mortgage crisis and loftier gas prices for killing suburbs, but the truth is that urban property values began to climb again (after decades of reject) in the 1980s.

The cars that promised liberty were transforming into prisons equally millions of North Americans trapped themselves for hours a twenty-four hours grinding their ways between piece of work and abode. The demographic explosion that justified the suburbs, the Baby Boom, is much diminished. Nativity rates take cratered. At that place is far less need for properties for kids to play in with many bedrooms when fewer people are coupling and having children.

The End of the Suburbs reads like a very long article as information technology is written in an accessible, casual manner, which makes sense given that the author is a journalist. The author conducts interviews that demonstrate many of the failings of suburban life, and contrasts them with people proposing, building or living alternatives. A number of large developers announced in the book, which gives a clear example of how the market is transforming on the demand and supply sides.

There is a slim undercurrent in the book that suggests what is emerging is suburban-similar cities and urban center-like suburbs. I had similar thinking looking at some of the 'new hip' neighbourhoods of Toronto, similar Liberty Hamlet. All the chains and wealth of the suburbs have been poured into condominiums and boutiques offering faux-authentic brick even though it's the same concatenation from the strip mall in the 'burbs.

I remember Gallagher does a convincing chore laying out the example that the unending sprawl is going to boring down, if not come to an end. But, what will take its identify isn't the past but some hybrid of urban and suburban living. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the future of the suburbs and the housing marketplace. It is entirely accessible to a lay audience but sophisticated enough for people well versed in the subject.

Y'all can follow me on Twitter @SLee_OT or at my blog at http://theorangetory.blogspot.ca/ for similar content.

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Feb 07, 2014 Chris rated it liked it

Recommends it for: City Planners, Existent Manor Agents, Urban Planners

This book took me awhile to end but I'thousand glad I did. I never knew what kind of spate was happening betwixt city dwellers and suburbanites and I'k glad I now know the footling feud that has been going on. I read this, not and then much to take sides, but to learn how the new structures that city and suburbs are experiencing. I viewed everything through the lens of rural and urban development.

I wanted to sympathise why there was a shift happening between the two regions and what some of those causes wer

This book took me awhile to finish but I'g glad I did. I never knew what kind of spate was happening between city dwellers and suburbanites and I'm glad I now know the little feud that has been going on. I read this, not and then much to take sides, but to acquire how the new structures that urban center and suburbs are experiencing. I viewed everything through the lens of rural and urban development.

I wanted to understand why there was a shift happening betwixt the ii regions and what some of those causes were. I actually savour the feeling of beingness able to walk everywhere and get to places quickly instead of sitting in my machine hoping to find a parking infinite that is not to far from the entrance of where I am going. The simply concern I have to such places that offer everything within walking distance is that more and more than people volition want the aforementioned experience and rather than sitting in my car complaining about the traffic, I will be pushing against people trying to get where I'm going because there are just too many people out and about.

The author talks virtually the shifting trend towards more younger people wanting to alive in communities inside major cities that offer the niceties of suburb living that is close to their job and amenities, like picture palace, stores, cafes, and bookstores (if they will still be around). Then you accept the older generation who has stayed in their suburban homes because that is where they raised their families and moving is but likewise much of a hassle to have to deal with and instead they would rather spend their nights dancing, playing bingo, and coming together upwardly at the community event centre for the whole area.

I will say though that this book has given me a few peachy ideas on how to fix neighborhoods that are falling apart, and how to improve communities that were in one case a thriving hive of activity with kids and families. Many suburbs are falling to crime and drugs simply because more and more homes are being deserted, either because of the housing crash or people want to alive in communities that offering more things to exercise.

If yous are looking to larn about all the different movements at that place are for creating and designing these little film perfect communities this book has a great list of resource for finding out the latest pattern in community planning. Now when I walk into any neighborhood I tin tell what type of design was used and probably pinpoint it dorsum to the engagement of when the community was built. So whether you think living in a neighborhood like the i in Edward Scissorhands was cool, or you lot demand something more than just a community puddle and consequence center than you lot might want to look into a New Urbanist community where sidewalks and roadways are advisedly measured to ensure optimal socializing.

Either manner, check out this volume if yous accept the time or demand to acquire about annihilation urban center planning, housing marketplace related or simply why people are leaving in full general. I enjoyed it and took away a lot of bully resource to check out and to stay updated with.

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Jul 01, 2014 MDVinTO rated it liked it

Numerous arguments made by the author about why the suburbs is dying out, merely one of which, I believe holds validity, the others are heavily skewed to the author's opinion and I don't similar how she does not entertain the "other side" of the statement. Urbanism has many cons too. The only argument which I believe has validity is that suburban life forces extensive commuting - which costs time and money and is bad for the environment.

Still, besides the saving of time, if 1 moves close to piece of work

Numerous arguments made past the writer about why the suburbs is dying out, only one of which, I believe holds validity, the others are heavily skewed to the writer's opinion and I don't like how she does non entertain the "other side" of the statement. Urbanism has many cons too. The only statement which I believe has validity is that suburban life forces extensive commuting - which costs time and money and is bad for the environment.

However, besides the saving of fourth dimension, if one moves close to work and their piece of work is in a high need urban expanse, I would argue that time Merely Not coin is saved unless that person had enough money to buy a house in a more than expensive urban area. Most people yet, can not afford a house in a urban center and cease up in a condo or flat with maintenance fees. So, adieu to the price of car expenses but say how-do-you-do to condo fees that get-go off lower in newer buildings and and then gradually climb up to staggering monthly fees. Although I don't know how U.S. condo fees are regulated or how comparable they are to Canada (this volume is American), I do know that these condo fees can trap you lot, no differently than the suburbs tin can. Some older buildings take fees upward to $800 to $900 a calendar month - much more than the cost of a car - which imposes stress but the same. These fees also do Non cover the cost of utilities, tv or property taxation, they merely comprehend the price of whatever mutual recreation areas the building says information technology has to offering, and the maintenance of the outside grounds and common areas of the building. This high monthly cost in my opinion does non warrant whatever the bells and whistles the condo says it has to offer - the gym, the pool - peculiarly when a membership at a very nearby fitness facility that I can walk to would cost me less than that per twelvemonth. In my opinion, a monthly maintenance fee is a perpetual, never-ending mortgage. And then how much amend is that then the endless, plush commute?

Also, the author one-sidedly argues that living in the urban center is more communal and various. While I do concord that cities offer more diversity in family brand-up and lifestyle (unmarried, married with/without kids), I exercise non concord that there is every bit much diversity culturally, as certain cultures still "pocket" into areas of a city and you lot tin nonetheless experience just equally marginalized in a city as you lot can in the suburb.

I did not like how the book presented this new and improved - urban development as being devoid of its poisons. She mentions drinking glass buildings with positive, spirited fervour. There are glass condo complexes in Toronto, Canada - downtown somewhere by Lake Ontario, now falling autonomously, chipping away and depreciating, causing a form action lawsuit for people who moved into these buildings and take lost a lot of their property value. This story was covered by CBC Radio Canada about a year or so ago.

I personally think that commuting from the suburbs into work is a big poison, but moving back into the city has its many poisons too. It's only a thing of what poison you lot personally want to pick.

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May sixteen, 2013 Brady Dale rated it really liked it

From my review on NextCity:

Fortune editor Leigh Gallagher's new book, The End of the Suburbs: Where the American Dream Is Moving, documents a shift in demand away from traditional suburban housing — large lots, car dependent, farther and further from the city where virtually of the breadwinners in a given region work — and toward urban housing. Or at least something that looks a little more like it.

While giving room to those who are sticking to the suburbs, including newer suburbs that don't expect at al

From my review on NextCity:

Fortune editor Leigh Gallagher's new book, The End of the Suburbs: Where the American Dream Is Moving, documents a shift in need away from traditional suburban housing — big lots, motorcar dependent, farther and further from the city where nearly of the breadwinners in a given region work — and toward urban housing. Or at least something that looks a little more similar it.

While giving room to those who are sticking to the suburbs, including newer suburbs that don't wait at all like the old ones, Gallagher documents the public policies that made suburbia possible, the fiscal underpinnings that have gotten many municipalities into problem and why, right at present, the combination of slowly retiring boomers and boring-to-launch millennials is making it harder than usual to see trend lines.

Still, her new book recounts a number of striking observations that back up her point. Some of the more noteworthy follow:

As the Housing Blast grew fully frenetic, right up to 2006, the boilerplate incomes of Americans basically stayed flat. In other words, we demanded more than housing without any more than money to need information technology with (Chapter ii).

Scott Bernstein, president of the Center for Neighborhood Engineering science, has estimated that American families are spending near half their income on housing and transportation combined, especially in areas where people commute a long style to work (Chapter 3). It is much worse for poorer families.

Serial Internet entrepreneur Graham Hill intends to open up apartment buildings that reinvent infinite maximization, including a lending "library" for stuff like popcorn poppers and ice chests (Chapter four).

Frequently, families cite schools as their number-1 reason for moving to the suburbs, merely every bit demand for exurban communities dries up, schools have been repurposed. In Durand, Mich., an onetime high schoolhouse is now an apartment building for seniors (Chapter 5).

Read the rest of my review here.

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In that location are people who living as, "Real Life Urbanist," who are ignored by the big determination makers of the urban cadre planners.

Gallagher'southward term, "New Ubanist," was used as a marketing tool, throughout the.

Some existent life ubranist would similar to limit the community space to two-five miles to have all their lifestyle needs accept care similar, cyberbanking, gyms, coffee shop, jobs, church, movie theaters, etc....

A lot of these real life urbanist would move in downtown locations if the toll was right.
No ane explai

There are people who living equally, "Real Life Urbanist," who are ignored by the big determination makers of the urban core planners.

Gallagher's term, "New Ubanist," was used every bit a marketing tool, throughout the.

Some real life ubranist would like to limit the customs space to 2-5 miles to have all their lifestyle needs accept care like, banking, gyms, java shop, jobs, church, picture theaters, etc....

A lot of these real life urbanist would move in downtown locations if the price was right.
No one explains what kind of jobs are paying over $4000.00 a month in order to live within Dave Ramsey's budget of paying $g - $1500 a calendar month rent.

Gallagher never addressed how there is a population of social wack packers, equally yous would hear on Howard Stern'due south radio show, who alive downtown communities. The wack packers maybe fun amusement when they are not and so close to you, only when they are low quality neighbors and complimentary loading off of the pleasant environs, the entrainment looses it's bask.

Gallagher does like to talk numbers like a political guru. Her numbers may be right. The numbers were like an infomercial. Beware, if you practice their programme you may not get the same results.

Gallagher did not disembalm how tax implement financing (TIF) has manipulated the cosmetics of well-nigh of the urban land escapes. (This how Detroit were bankrupted) There are cities who are letting business abuse them without paying taxes, as they sell the, "Sex in City," dream.

Yuppies (young urban professionals), was the lawmaking word in the 1980s for developing urban areas.

Today, they are called millennial are the new yuppies.

Gallagher avoids proverb were are going to market, an old package and nosotros are going to scare you into joining this tendency by brainwashing you to believe, if you practice not do this you will miss out.

Virtually people are tired of marketers selling trends and using community coin for their speculations. If it is such good idea exercise information technology yourself without regime help.

In reflection, this volume was ok, information technology was too much like scam-mode.... Oops, I mean Am-Way. The volume sings to the dreamers who are wanting to get rich while using other people'south coin. Are they people who were responsible for economic downwardly falls addressed in chapter 2? I think and so.

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Feb 22, 2015 Sofia rated it really liked it

Coming from a country where suburbia is more often than not a lot of boring flat buildings nestled on the side of highways leading to cities, I was always fascinated and curious nigh the American Suburbs, especially in the more subversive versions from Blue Velvet and The Truman Testify. I became even more fascinated when I moved to the U.S., where to my surprise a large house in the suburbs and having to drive fifteen minutes for a carton of milk was still non just something desirable, it was the very synonym o Coming from a country where suburbia is mostly a lot of boring apartment buildings nestled on the side of highways leading to cities, I was always fascinated and curious about the American Suburbs, especially in the more than subversive versions from Blue Velvet and The Truman Testify. I became fifty-fifty more fascinated when I moved to the U.S., where to my surprise a big house in the suburbs and having to bulldoze fifteen minutes for a carton of milk was still not just something desirable, information technology was the very synonym of earning your place in the American pantheon of successful adulthood.

There have been several books lately almost suburbs giving way to cities merely this ane seemed attainable enough to get-go. And it is. The writer is a managing editor at money magazine and the book does flow kind of like a long magazine article. There is a lot of fascinating stuff here, primarily on why suburbia became the way they are and how they turned into the standard home and lifestyle model.

The author spends a lot of time covering new habitation alternatives, like the super fancy NYC family unit apartment building with a pool, a yoga studio and a fire pit, and new suburban developments where houses are built closer together and state is zoned for mixed use so you tin can walk to stores. She also shows why urban planners and domicile builders are jumping on these alternatives, but does't offer much in terms of confirmation that these are indeed the futurity and the suburban houses volition be left to rot when the elderly residents are no longer there. Though they definitely sound overnice I suppose information technology'southward just as well early to evaluate the success of walkable suburbs (houses there are by and large more expensive) and it remains to be seen if when more millennials who don't brand a billion bucks a twelvemonth start having children the majority will grudgingly move out to the suburbs or find a way to manage with less space and without a machine in the metropolis.

Plainly the book ends with a lot of open questions but it's a swell primer on the subject and maybe in x years at that place tin be a follow up.

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Sep 26, 2016 Chris rated information technology did not like information technology

I concur with others who say that this book would be better suited every bit a long-form magazine slice. Obviously Gallagher has taken tremendous effort to research the field of study, comport interviews, and visit communities, but the whole affair was presented rather haphazardly. She went off rails on New Urbanism, which while relevant, is hardly the only solution or a topic she should have spent ane/iii of the book breathlessly promoting. Criticism of New Urbanism (or any aspect of catastrophe bourgeoisie every bit it exists) I agree with others who say that this volume would be better suited every bit a long-class magazine piece. Apparently Gallagher has taken tremendous attempt to research the bailiwick, conduct interviews, and visit communities, just the whole affair was presented rather haphazardly. She went off rail on New Urbanism, which while relevant, is hardly the only solution or a topic she should have spent 1/three of the book breathlessly promoting. Criticism of New Urbanism (or any aspect of ending suburbia equally it exists) was scant. Correlation does not imply causation. Information was presented frequently but inexactly, and oftentimes seemed to be cherry picked to support the argument or was not the sort of thing (it was the lowest year in the last three years!) that actually illustrates a trend. Moreover, her constant bashing of Millennials (older people who gave up driving were visionary, only when she was 16 she loved getting her drivers license and she just really, actually can't get why any 16 year old wouldn't have themselves physically grafted to a automobile before blowing out the candles on their cake). The final straw for me was my growing realization that she had made no effort to understand , or taken no consideration, anything other than very rich, socially mobile, highly educated people and their living preferences. If she had presented a volume about that, fine, but we're all not retired CEOs who can but option up and move to a trendy Boston neighborhood because 1 24-hour interval we're sorry that no ane else on our cul-de-sac sits at home all mean solar day waiting for a neighbour to knock on the door with an invitation to twenty-four hour period drink and discuss the latest issue of Vogue. ...more

Mar 16, 2014 Evan rated it really liked it

I wanted to write a paper on this verbal topic while I was in school but I didn't end up doing information technology because it was too broad and likewise new. I know many young adults who do not ain cars and absolutely detest the suburbs. This is a new and major shift non seen since the mass product of the automobile itself. Mayors and metropolis councillors across North America should seriously take note.

I'm glad such a book covering this emerging, often talked-about topic in planning now exists. Withal, as someone fairly famil

I wanted to write a paper on this exact topic while I was in schoolhouse but I didn't stop upwardly doing it because it was as well wide and too new. I know many young adults who practise not own cars and admittedly hate the suburbs. This is a new and major shift non seen since the mass production of the car itself. Mayors and city councillors across Due north America should seriously take note.

I'm glad such a book covering this emerging, often talked-about topic in planning now exists. However, as someone fairly familiar with most of the pop books and news stories on urban planning issues, I tin't say that a lot of the wide trends mentioned in this volume were new to me. Like others take said, this book was a scrap too brusk and could have mayhap been amend off equally a long magazine article. The book length was also probably adamant past the fact that this is a very new topic and emerging issue.

The writer basically says that suburbs have pros and cons and she can empathize why many people volition however choose the suburbs. I wished she would have touched on the sociological aspects of child raising a scrap more than. In my opinion, suburbs are really driven by what parents perceive is best for young children but when these kids reach their early teens these suburbs become the most boring place on world.

While someone very familiar with urban planning issues might not find this book to be groundbreaking, it was by all means still an enjoyable and worthwhile read.

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December 12, 2013 Nikki Boisture rated it really liked it

I've read a fair amount of books on suburban sprawl,(many of them mentioned in this book) but this is the showtime that I've read since the housing market place bust of'08. The news from the sprawl front is proficient. People are realizing they need to leave the exurbs and shorten their commutes and live in communities over housing developments.

This volume made the bug of suburbia clear and concise - relying heavily on data over the emotional aspects of what makes suburban/exurban sprawl so atrocious. It'southward eas

I've read a fair amount of books on suburban sprawl,(many of them mentioned in this volume) simply this is the start that I've read since the housing market place bust of'08. The news from the sprawl forepart is practiced. People are realizing they need to leave the exurbs and shorten their commutes and live in communities over housing developments.

This book made the issues of suburbia clear and concise - relying heavily on data over the emotional aspects of what makes suburban/exurban sprawl so atrocious. Information technology'southward easy to give this book a high rating, because I grew up in the exurbs and I'd promised myself I'd live somewhere that 1-I didn't have to go far the motorcar to purchase a gallon of milk, 2-that had adept diversity at my kids' schools, and 3-is close to public transit. That I read a book that basically says a lot of other people are coming to this conclusion made me very happy.

Anyone else who maybe doesn't similar the suburbs, simply can't exactly say why, would do well to read this. Traffic, taxes, structure, community involvement, neighbors helping neighbors, diversity, oil prices - all of these and more than are covered. Her conclusion is absolutely correct to. That the suburbs exist for a reason - because consumers demanded them. But the manner we do suburbia is changing. Anybody doesn't demand to pick upwardly and move to a city, only the types of suburbs nosotros need needs to change.

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Jun 10, 2015 Jeff rated it actually liked it

A well-researched book chock full of industry interviews, including the types of people yous wouldn't typically see take much of an opinion on urban planning - existent-manor companies and home-builders, for 1. The overall signal of this volume is that there is a major shift going on in real estate, and that shift is towards less automobile-dependence. People want to live in cities, or in urban-suburbs where they can still walk to the park, the coffee shop, a eating place and a few bars. Basically, if a prop A well-researched book chock full of industry interviews, including the types of people you wouldn't typically meet have much of an opinion on urban planning - real-estate companies and domicile-builders, for 1. The overall point of this book is that there is a major shift going on in real estate, and that shift is towards less car-dependence. People want to alive in cities, or in urban-suburbs where they tin still walk to the park, the java shop, a restaurant and a few confined. Basically, if a holding has less than a 25 walk score, it is a office of the suburban car that churned out blank houses with no infrastructure or neighborhood character. And the entire industry is moving past these mass-residential communities. I yet retrieve there is promise in changing zoning laws to allow suburban wastelands to develop their own "main streets", and that lesser-up approach could make a huge difference in people's lives. But there volition always exist the NIMBY, at that place will always exist the people obsessed with their own privacy and not interested in living in a identify with character or vivid life. So who knows what the future holds for these places that have already been built in the expressionless, suburban years? ...more

Jan 02, 2016 Craig1colo rated it really liked it

Leigh Gallagher provides a broad give-and-take of the forces that led to the suburban growth in the U.s., as well as the ongoing evolution of American club (alternative family structures, reduction in desire to own and drive cars, increasing want to alive in settings that are more urban).

One of the most useful discussions is in the Futures chapter where she discusses the private/public infinite aspects of urban vs. suburban life. One of the more profound changes in cities in my life is the push to

Leigh Gallagher provides a wide discussion of the forces that led to the suburban growth in the Usa, equally well as the ongoing evolution of American society (alternative family structures, reduction in want to ain and drive cars, increasing desire to live in settings that are more urban).

One of the nearly useful discussions is in the Futures affiliate where she discusses the private/public space aspects of urban vs. suburban life. One of the more profound changes in cities in my life is the push to brand the public spaces more than resident friendly, which can be both a powerful alter for the meliorate of more affluent residents while displacing the diverse communities that initial provided the engine.

This is a hopeful volume as it lays out the broad ranges of subsidies and subconscious support that drove the suburbs into existence (non to mention the sketchy racial history of suburban beginnings). If we were to bring the aforementioned level of back up to urban settings and about suburbs, we would meet an evolution from suburban growth to urban growth that would be ecologically and socially worthwhile. It is up to united states to demand the changes necessary from our local governments.

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Aug 12, 2013 Katy rated it really liked it

The notion that less and less people are moving to the suburbs is nothing new to me. The why behind it was interesting to see talked nearly in detail and backed with research. I enjoyed reading almost the history of the demographic shift to the suburbs- and how older burbs were constructed differently than postal service- war burbs for a variety of reasons. I was nigh fascinated by all the ideas for how we can reimagine the suburban housing stock that in the non besides distant future will be underutilized.

I d

The notion that less and less people are moving to the suburbs is null new to me. The why behind information technology was interesting to see talked about in detail and backed with research. I enjoyed reading nigh the history of the demographic shift to the suburbs- and how older burbs were constructed differently than post- war burbs for a diversity of reasons. I was almost fascinated by all the ideas for how we can reimagine the suburban housing stock that in the not too afar future will exist underutilized.

I didn't love that the author is clearly biased toward urban/city living. I experience you girl, simply a good argument presents more information on the differing viewpoint. I wish at that place had been more word on the challenges that urban areas face in curbing crime and improving schools to the level that the centre class feels comfortable choosing to live there over (the by and large less expensive) burbs.

Overall, a actually interesting await at the manner we alive and how that is irresolute. It'southward an exciting time to work in real estate!

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Sep 15, 2013 Amanda Linehan rated information technology really liked it

This book was excellent! I picked information technology up subsequently my dad saw an excerpt in Fortune Mag and told me it reminded him of u.s.. The writer is a Fortune editor, and she spent a couple years researching what started equally a hunch: that coming generations are ditching the suburbs every bit a way of life, and that this holds serious implications for the way we plan for the future. What I liked near it is that information technology traced back through time how the suburbs evolved every bit a unique American phenomenon, and and so outlined th This volume was excellent! I picked it up afterward my dad saw an excerpt in Fortune Magazine and told me information technology reminded him of us. The author is a Fortune editor, and she spent a couple years researching what started as a hunch: that coming generations are ditching the suburbs as a way of life, and that this holds serious implications for the fashion nosotros programme for the future. What I liked well-nigh it is that it traced back through time how the suburbs evolved as a unique American miracle, and then outlined the cultural reasons the upcoming generations detect them undesirable. Whether y'all similar or dislike the suburbs -- and she'southward fair to both sides -- Gallagher makes a compelling case for what most of us in urban planning take as gospel, which is that in that location's no denying the shift in preferences for social club at large, and we will be improve off if nosotros detect ways to accommodate the droves of families moving back to urban areas while helping our existing suburbs to thrive and evolve. I would highly recommend this book! It'south sure to spark a contend in any abode. ...more

Leigh Gallagher is an assistant managing editor at Fortune and cochair of the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit. She is a frequent guest on MSNBC's Morn Joe and public radio'due south Market; appears frequently on CNN, CNBC, and other outlets; and speaks regularly on business organization and economical issues. The Stop of the Suburbs is her first volume.

(Biographical blurb from the back of The End of the Suburbs.

Leigh Gallagher is an banana managing editor at Fortune and cochair of the Fortune Virtually Powerful Women Top. She is a frequent invitee on MSNBC's Morn Joe and public radio'south Market; appears frequently on CNN, CNBC, and other outlets; and speaks regularly on business concern and economic problems. The End of the Suburbs is her commencement volume.

(Biographical blurb from the back of The Cease of the Suburbs.)

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Looking for something epic, stellar, or far out? Perchance a bit dystopian? Then these authors are your chosen ones to read next! We asked...

"Whether it's because everything is so far apart or because it'south not possible for safety reasons or because it's merely not fun, suburban residents, relatively speaking, don't really walk all that much. Studies using pedometers have found the boilerplate American takes a picayune over v,100 steps a solar day, compared with 9,700 steps for Australians, vii,200 steps for the Japanese, and 9,650 for the Swiss." — 3 likes

"Contrary to what she expected, kids didn't really run around exterior and play in the subdivision. Instead, everything was coordinated past scheduled activity and playdate, so every day she would spend the hours from 3:00 p.k. to half-dozen:00 p.m. shuttling her children to and from all the places they needed to be: pond, chess, ballet, Hebrew school, jazz, soccer, music lessons, and more—what Roseman describes as "all the ridiculous things you sign them upward for because they can't but go outside and do something with their friends for three hours." — one likes

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