The Mass Market for Suburban Low-Density Development is Over
Changing demographics, higher energy prices and increasing market preference for non-motorized and public transportation may signal the end to traditional suburban low-density development. This article discusses past and future trends in development. The author identifies a large mismatch in housing supply between what the market delivered in the past and what it will need in 20 years. The author is concerned that the inertia of planning and zoning designed to meet the needs of prior generations cannot be overcome to meet the needs of future generations, which may result in continued low-density sprawl. The end result would be another housing market collapse by the 2020s. Recommendations are provided for reshaping the suburbs to meet new market demands.