I work in NYC where public transportation/walking/biking is the preferred mode of transportation. The issue is that there is no space. So if a family wants the urban lifestyle and space, they will have to either shell out multiple millions of dollars for a bigger apartment or move to the suburbs where cars(suvs) are the preferred mode of transportation. Very few families can afford to live in Manhattan because of the cost of real estate and the cost of schools. My boss spends $40,000 dollars a year for PRESCHOOL!!!!! Unless your salary is outrageously high, living in the city once you have a family is not financially feasible unless you are willing to give up things like space and are willing to go to the public school closest to your residence. Some schools are better than others so the ones who are in the not so great schools have to pay for private education or move to the burbs. I'd be curious to see what its like elsewhere!