How Did This Happen? The U.S. Is Ugly, This Is Why, Suburban Sprawl

[appalachiablue]

- Leeja Miller. How did this happen? How did we get this suburban sprawl that we have to live with today? 🚘 And what can we do to improve our communities?

[hlthe2b]

1. It is an extension of the Interstate Age... strip malls, non-walkable communities, all created along

Interstate Highway Exits. There have been efforts in recent decades to try to reverse this, but it will take many many more decades (and some previously non-existent or poorly trained City Planners) to make it happen.

[appalachiablue]

2. Definitely, but more people being aware of this mass problem is encouraging. It's very

pronounced in plenty of areas which all look the same from coast to coast. I've read that malls, the commercial 'community center' in many areas are dying likely due to the growth of online retail, lack of funds and consciousness. Mega churches also became the local center for residents in some suburban and exurban areas for decades.

Newer sprawling suburbs that lack trees and walking spaces are very unhealthy for humans and the environment. I tried it briefly for more home space but couldn't adjust to the change after growing up and living in city neighborhoods.

[pansypoo53219]

3. at least milw county has lots of trees.