In Montana, selling public land was perceived as an attack on a way of life already under stress. In recent years, the moneyed class has descended. Westward Hoe exclusive enclaves like the Yellowstone Club studded with 8 figure residences are proliferating.In the last 5 years alone, home prices in the state have vaulted nearly 70%. So much private land is being sold and developed. Construction, sprawl, for sale signs.They're everywhere. in Big Sky, in Bosezeman, Bose Angeles they call it, in the remote Ruby ...

Urban Development & Planning - Current urban development prioritizes cars over people, leading to isolation and hindering natural interactions [9][11][12] - Sprawling suburban development leads to economic dead zones and inefficient land use, with 30% of residential space potentially unused [8][9] - Zoning laws and parking requirements often make walkable, mixed-use developments illegal, hindering small businesses and community interaction [18][19] - Reclaiming spaces for people, such as parklets and pedestrian zones, can increase property values, tourism, and improve traffic flow [29][31] - Walkable neighborhoods generate five times more tax revenue per dollar than typical suburban strip malls, and retail space fetches a 90% premium [36] Environmental Impact - Suburban homes use four times as much water as urban residences due to lawns and non-native plants [23] - Sprawling development disrupts ecosystems and water systems, particularly in vulnerable environments like the Mojave Desert [21][22] - Cities spend three times as much per household to provide basic services in sprawling suburbs compared to densely populated areas [26] - The average American spends 55 minutes daily driving and $12,000 annually on car expenses, creating an economic burden [27] Social & Economic Considerations - Car-dependent sprawl contributes to social isolation and mental health issues, as exemplified by Las Vegas ranking as the second loneliest city in America [15] - Collision density, fostered by inward city growth, promotes innovation and economic growth through chance encounters and shared spaces [16] - Third places (coffee shops, parks, plazas) are essential for mental health and economic vitality, but often made impossible by zoning laws [17][18]

Sprawl is still not the answer to the US housing crisis https://t.co/9My3D4RFlr ...