It's understandable that to people who grew up in a time and place when "bigger was better," that the white picket fence home is the dream. It was mine. But it was mostly nostalgic. No modern, world-class city lacks good public transit and all the amenities and services needed within walking distance. That's what creates the most value for land, not the size of the house or lot. Think back or forward five years about traffic congestion, and it's easy to see how living in the 'burbs just gets worse.