Its really unfortunate that people are looking to this book for advice.
Cox fails to see that the quality of life in the suburbs is only good for those that can afford it. The middle, lower-middle, and lower class struggle to make ends meet in the suburbs. Ask any real estate investor and they will tell you that the majority of the cheapest homes are the ones farthest from common daily amenities like schools, work, and places to shop.
This means that those looking to buy a home, and are not well off financially, or maybe they just started a family and money is tight, they will buy up the ones farthest away from those amenities. Sometimes it is hardly their choice whether they want to live that far away or not, it is only what they can "afford." The problem with this is that because they live so far from amenities, they must drive to get to them. This means more money from their pocket. The costs associated with owning a vehicle, or multiple vehicles, is only continuing to rise. We all can see the gas prices. We all know they have risen steadily for years. The price of gas coupled with maintenance, registrations, emissions, car accidents, and insurance add up very quickly.
Those of us that advocate for smart growth, new urbanism, neo-urbanism, whatever you want to call it, care about people. I truly care for others and I can see the suburban American dream is not for everyone. It used to be more affordable in the 70's and 80's. Now, many people struggle to have a life beyond paying for their car and a home. Also, our policies do not dictate removal of current suburbs, they will always exist. Those that can, and choose, to afford it can do so freely.
We encourage choice and opportunity.
We simply want to build more homes closer to employment centers, closer to schools..
We want to see more buses, bike lanes and commuter rail, so that everyone can be mobile and can save money that would normally be spent on gas and time that would normally be spent sitting in traffic, so that..
...they can improve their quality of life.
Cox fails to see that it is not affordable for many citizens and the suburban American dream is not always a choice, sometimes it is a trap.
Please read my comments and consider them before picking up this book. Please.
I come from a upper-middle class family. I grew up in the suburbs.