For years, urban planners and environmental advocates have pointed out that increasing housing density, often by moving away from Single Family Home dominated neighborhoods towards multifamily housing, is crucial for combating climate change and improving housing affordability. While these practical benefits are compelling, there are even more politically resonant arguments to consider regarding the future of housing.
One key point often overlooked is the less-than-admirable origin of single family home zoning in America. While proponents today defend it as a means to preserve neighborhood character, its history is deeply entwined with segregation. As documented by historians like Richard Rothstein, single family home zoning was strategically employed as a tool to exclude African Americans and other minorities from suburban communities. This exclusionary tactic ensured that suburbs remained largely white, contributing to long-lasting patterns of racial and economic segregation.
Beyond its problematic past, it’s time to consider if the single family home model remains the ideal for modern living. Personal experiences often highlight evolving preferences. Consider the shift in perspective of one homeowner who, priced out of the competitive single family home market, opted for a townhouse. Initially seen as a temporary compromise, the townhouse surprisingly became a desirable long-term home.
This experience reveals several advantages of alternatives to the traditional single family home. Townhouses and similar housing options often occupy a smaller land footprint, reducing environmental impact. They can also be perfectly sized for families, offering ample living space without excessive upkeep. Moreover, these communities can foster a sense of belonging and neighborliness, proving just as nurturing an environment for raising children as a detached suburban house.
The aspiration for a large single family home with a backyard, once a cornerstone of the American Dream, is becoming increasingly unattainable and perhaps, less desirable. As lifestyles and priorities change, embracing diverse housing options beyond the single family home can lead to more sustainable, affordable, and equitable communities for everyone.
