The pseudo-suburbanist's dilemma

Emily Badger, contemplating the urban-suburban dichotomy:

But as I have been drilling deeper into the distinction, I realize I don’t know exactly what defines a “suburb” as such. Is it a matter of geography? Authenticity? History? Density? Diversity? Housing stock? Land-use patterns? Auto dependence?

That, and more. It strikes me that suburbia isn’t just a checklist of physical features—it’s also a state of mind.

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