Urban Geography: Why We Live Where We Do

Summary

This video explores the differences between American and European cities, focusing on population density, urban development, and the factors influencing suburbanization. It compares Paris and New York, showing that Paris is far denser, with its entire population concentrated in the city center, while New York has sprawling suburbs. The video also delves into the historical reasons for these patterns, such as the age of cities, transportation innovations, and the impact of crime in the U.S. Suburban living in America is contrasted with European urban cores, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of modern cities.

Takeaways

• 😀 New York City has less than half the population density of Paris, despite its reputation for skyscrapers.
• 😀 Paris packs almost its entire population into a compact urban core, while New York has expansive suburbs around its dense urban center.
• 😀 In Europe, the rich tend to live in the city center, while in the US, wealthier individuals often live in suburban areas.
• 😀 European cities, such as Paris, were designed for walking distances, meaning people lived close to work, leading to high population density.
• 😀 The historical development of European cities, dating back hundreds or thousands of years, played a role in their compact, dense structure.
• 😀 American cities grew during a time when technologies like public transportation (steam trains, streetcars, and later automobiles) enabled sprawl.
• 😀 The introduction of the steam train created 'railroad suburbs' in the US, where wealthier individuals could live a few miles from cities.
• 😀 Streetcars in American cities further contributed to suburbanization, allowing the middle class to live slightly further from city centers.
• 😀 The automobile revolutionized suburban living in the US after World War II, with many families opting for larger suburban homes and commuting to work.
• 😀 Crime rates were a significant reason for suburbanization in the US, with high crime levels in cities driving people to seek safer suburban living.
• 😀 In contrast, European cities didn't experience widespread suburbanization, partly due to higher agricultural subsidies, higher transportation costs, and lower crime rates.

Q & A

Which city is denser, Paris or New York?

Paris has a population density of 56,000 people per square mile, while New York has only 27,000 people per square mile. Therefore, Paris is more densely populated than New York.

Why is Paris more densely populated than New York despite New York's iconic skyscrapers?

Paris has a much more compact urban core where almost the entire population lives. In contrast, New York has a highly dense urban core but is surrounded by sprawling suburbs, which lowers its overall population density.

What historical factor contributes to the rich living in city centers in Europe?

In Europe, cities have existed for hundreds or even thousands of years, and during the medieval period, living within walking distance of work was essential. As a result, the rich historically lived closer to the city center.

Why were the richest individuals in historic European cities often found on lower floors?

Before elevators, the rich preferred lower floors in hotels and buildings to avoid the arduous task of climbing stairs, thus demonstrating the importance of walkability and accessibility.

What role did steam trains play in the development of American suburbs?

Steam trains, which were initially expensive, allowed the wealthy to commute from railroad suburbs located several miles outside the city. This practice helped establish the pattern of suburban development.

How did streetcars influence suburban development in American cities?

Streetcars provided a more affordable means of transportation, enabling the upper-middle class to live in suburbs while commuting to the city. The wealthy suburbs in Washington D.C. grew as a result of the expansion of streetcar lines.

What was the impact of the automobile on American suburbanization?

After World War II, cars became more affordable to the middle class, enabling families to live in suburban areas while commuting to work. This led to a boom in suburbanization, as people could afford to live further from city centers.

Why didn't European cities experience the same level of suburbanization as American cities?

Even after World War II, many European cities, including those bombed during the war, chose to retain their compact designs. Additionally, European cities have higher agricultural subsidies, making it less financially feasible to develop sprawling suburbs.

What role did crime play in the rise of suburbanization in the U.S.?

High crime rates in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, especially in cities like New York, pushed wealthier individuals to move to suburban areas, seeking safer and more peaceful living conditions.

How do energy costs in Europe influence urban living patterns?

Higher energy costs in Europe, including expensive gasoline and heating, make it less attractive to live in large suburban homes. This incentivizes people to live closer to city centers, where commuting and energy costs are lower.