I've never lived in a high-rise type setting. I would need large windows with a good view of the greenery to make it work with a good sized patio with plants and other nature. I also have a pretty significant height phobia so that might be a problem.
I do think urban sprawl is a problem that needs to be addressed. It leads to increased energy demands by increasing the distance needed to travel and makes public transportation less convenient. It also contributes to more water runoff leading to flooding and erosion. This is only going to worsen with increasing rain amounts as the climate warms.
Although, I am not sure that high-rise living is as cost effective. Renting doesn't allow for increasing equity and even if the liviing space is purchased, such as in a condo, it is harder to contain costs as HOA fees are often not controlled by the residents of the building.
The US does have an abundance of land, which as kept the average price per square foot nearly constant for decades. something that we have taken for granted. As usual, too often we've taken the easy path rather than making seemingly costly investments in the present and not having the imagination/foresight to see how these investments would reduce costs in the long run.
I do think urban sprawl is a problem that needs to be addressed. It leads to increased energy demands by increasing the distance needed to travel and makes public transportation less convenient. It also contributes to more water runoff leading to flooding and erosion. This is only going to worsen with increasing rain amounts as the climate warms.
Although, I am not sure that high-rise living is as cost effective. Renting doesn't allow for increasing equity and even if the liviing space is purchased, such as in a condo, it is harder to contain costs as HOA fees are often not controlled by the residents of the building.
The US does have an abundance of land, which as kept the average price per square foot nearly constant for decades. something that we have taken for granted. As usual, too often we've taken the easy path rather than making seemingly costly investments in the present and not having the imagination/foresight to see how these investments would reduce costs in the long run.