How the Suburbs Got Poor

[ErikJ]

6. Vancouver BC avoided this problem 50 yrs ago.

Now its commonly rated as the most livable city in the world.
They had to protect their very limited but rich farmland in the river valley so they prohibited any expansion into it so Van had to grow up rather than out. The higher density has kept Van more walkable and much more vibrant downtown/inner core. Any given summer night the sidewalks are still crowded with shoppers and walkers until midnight.

They also dont have any freeways dissecting the inner city, like EVERY American city, making it harder for employees to become suburban commuters. THe whole inner core is covered with low level apts and many high rise ones as well.
High density is very important to keep the city vibrant and alive. No people, no shoppers no business.

Theres not one American city in the most livable cities in the world. Yet there are 3 in Canada!