I think that it is because many Americans have no experience with the other as a lifestyle.

I’ve had it both ways, and there’s nothing that compares to having your own house and land with privacy away from noisy neighbors.

When I lived in a city there were more things to do, and I could bike to work, but the crowding feels like a social prison. Also I saw some people get shot, and thieves stole things from my porch repeatedly.

I grew up in exactly that kind of environment; really, the land (and the wildlife that comes with it) is the bit I miss the most. I’d take a very modest house on a decent plot of land in the middle of the woods to living in a city.

I want to live in a modest house within walking distance of downtown and unspoiled wilderness. How do make this happen?