The Surban Life
The new-found mix of Urban and Suburban lifestyles
Many Americans have begun abandoning the notion of bustling city-living much in part to sky-rocketing real estate cost. Alternatively, Americans are leaving sprawling, cozy suburbia where many amenities are far beyond walking distance. This has resulted in an uptick of centralized, walkable neighborhoods with a diverse demographic of young and old, singles and families, renters and owners.
John Burn and Chris Porter coined this trend as “Surban” in their book, Big Shifts Ahead. Surban neighborhoods value a central retail/business district (mid-level mixed use), outlying shops, commerce, residences, and an additional smattering of residential and business parcels edging outward. These encourage the creation of a walkable community, similar to Santana Row, Old Pasadena, and State Street, Santa Barbara.
“A new supply of smaller homes with little or no yards in high-population areas will meet the demand to commute less and live closer to restaurants and entertainment,” writes Patrick Sisson of Curbed, also noting an exceedingly high influx of rental units opposed to ownership. The resulting effects over time will attract a rich, diverse community of residents from wide-ranging backgrounds. Surban developments will also encourage women in the workforce and unique office opportunities while strengthening growth for their respective municipalities.
This story is brought to you by guest writer Brandon Graska.
Sources: Curbed (October 12, 2016) | Big Shifts Ahead (2018) | Urbanland (October 19, 2016) | Image: Eric Fredericks