Stepping out the front door and into the balmy summer air, trees sway, and children play while birds carry their own leisurely conversations with one another. The houses form a pattern. Perhaps the house next door looked completely different, but a few doors down, there would be an exact replica. Trees were lined soldiers in front of every house, protecting their small inhabitants. The grass, a battlefield, spanned the length of three tennis courts, but was often overshadowed by a barricade of bushes around each yard. This partition provided privacy from outside viewers, but adjacent houses were so close that overhearing conversations was not uncommon. This was the neighborhood I grew up in. I learned to walk and bike on these sidewalks; I drove on these streets. This was my sanctuary around an expanse of urban sprawl.
Image taken by Carol Stream Public Library
Chicago was only 30 miles away, but there was no evidence of its existence. Most buildings were no taller than two stories, but parking lots were often twice the size of their corresponding establishments. Public transportation was nonexistent and not many people chose to walk or bike except for occasional exercise. My house sat one mile from major roads, most of which were two and three lane, sporting speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Ironically, these roads are the slowest during rush hour: traveling one mile might take no less than 10 minutes. Luckily, this asphalt jungle makes it much easier to drive to “local” attractions located several miles away. Giant shopping centers became more popular due to the large selection of merchandise and variety, while closer and smaller stores closed, This forced me to travel farther and farther to find the things I needed. Local restaurants were outflanked by large franchises and the local flavor was slowing disappearing.
Despite the severe changes that have taken place since my family moved here, I have learned to call this my home. Urban sprawl is a part of my life; I love driving on the expressway and meeting my friends at the mall. The short distance between homes has even encouraged the development of a close-knit neighborhood. I am on a first name basis with most of my neighbors, even those that are generations older. With regards to local cuisine, urban sprawl has put a lot of restaurants out of business, but now, only the very best remain. For me, considering a “traditional” neighborhood is really not an option; this is my home.
-Kevin L
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