Model Suburban Community

Definition

A Model Suburban Community refers to a planned residential area that emerged in the post-World War II era, characterized by single-family homes, green spaces, and a focus on family life and community. These communities were designed to provide an idealized lifestyle, promoting suburban living as a solution to urban overcrowding and post-war housing shortages, thus transforming the social and economic landscape of the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Model Suburban Communities became popular after World War II as the demand for housing surged due to returning veterans and their families.
2. These communities were often built using mass production techniques, making homes more affordable and accessible for the average American family.
3. The design of Model Suburban Communities emphasized car ownership, with homes typically located far from city centers and public transportation.
4. Many Model Suburban Communities had strict zoning laws that promoted uniformity in home styles and restricted the diversity of residents.
5. The rise of these communities contributed to the decline of urban areas as populations shifted to the suburbs, leading to economic changes in cities.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of Model Suburban Communities reflect the social changes in America after World War II?
  • Model Suburban Communities represented a shift in American values toward family-centric living, safety, and space. After World War II, many Americans sought stability and an ideal lifestyle that was often associated with owning a home in a suburban area. This desire was fueled by factors like the GI Bill, which made home ownership more attainable for veterans. As a result, these communities symbolized the post-war aspiration for the American Dream.
• Discuss the economic implications of the growth of Model Suburban Communities on urban centers in the United States.
  • The growth of Model Suburban Communities had significant economic implications for urban centers as they led to 'white flight' and a decline in city populations. As families moved to suburbs for better living conditions, cities faced reduced tax revenues and increased urban decay. The shift also spurred infrastructure development in suburban areas while neglecting many urban neighborhoods. Consequently, this created economic challenges for cities struggling to adapt to changing demographics and needs.
• Evaluate how Model Suburban Communities have influenced modern American society and urban planning practices.
  • Model Suburban Communities have profoundly influenced modern American society by establishing a precedent for suburban living that persists today. Their emphasis on single-family homes and car-dependent lifestyles has shaped urban planning practices, leading to further suburban expansion and the design of infrastructure that prioritizes vehicles over public transportation. This trend has raised discussions about sustainability, urban sprawl, and the need for more diverse community designs that accommodate varied lifestyles and promote environmental stewardship.

Related terms

Levittown:

A famous example of a Model Suburban Community, Levittown was built by Levitt & Sons in the late 1940s, offering affordable homes to returning veterans and their families.

White Flight: The phenomenon where white families moved from urban areas to suburbs in search of better living conditions and schools, often leading to demographic changes in cities.

GI Bill:

A law that provided various benefits to returning World War II veterans, including funding for home loans, which helped facilitate the growth of suburban communities.