What are the chances of....?

Question

Everyone living in Smart Growth and New Urbanist communities and in mixed-use and downtown areas? What will American cities and their metro areas look like in 20 years? What will happen to the suburbs, single-family neighborhoods, existing businesses, streets, freeways, etc. and what will be the primary form of transportation? Same question with Australia, Japan, Europe, etc.?

Answer 1

In Australia at least, the suburbs are just sprawling out, and people commute long distances, as it is too expensive or too impractical for families, to live near where they work. If the predicted fuel price rise comes true, outer suburbs will get even more expensive (not enough jobs and no economical way to get to the city) and the inner city becomes amazingly expensive. Perhaps businesses will move to the suburbs to counter this, or even working from home will become popular. If governments invest in public transport now, that would help, but without public pressure I seriously doubt this.

Answer 2

Canada has pretty big cities too, ya know!

Answer 3

Snore...

Who's going to lead the migration of families back into the city?  I'm not taking my daughters into a virtual war zone.  We're staying out in the 'burbs, where they can play in relative safety.  Even when inner city reas improve, the cost of living there can be prohibitive.  Why would I buy a 1200 sq ft place with no yard downtown when I can  have 2500 sq ft on half an acre outside the city?

Chances are slim to none and Slim's with me out in the 'burbs...

Answer 4

I PRAY FOR A NEW GREEN TYPE OF TRANSPORTATION  THAT COMPLETELY STOPS THE BURNING OF HYDROCARBONS. ON EARTH  ..