I'm lucky. Some days I feel like I live in cycling heaven. I live in a smalllll town in the midwest. I ride ~10 miles out and I have miles and miles of narrow, hilly, twisty country roads from which to choose. I call it "rush hour" or "traffic jam" if more than five cars pass me.

The downside? Loose farm-dogs (some chase) and NO good restaurants (forces me to cook more often).

I feel your pain. I've lived in both San Diego and Austin. Suburban sprawl is hell for cyclists.

If you haven't joined a bike club or group ride they might be able to show you some new routes. Worth a shot.