The City Reader - Suburban Sprawl

Once at the airport, moving through the security checkpoints was so quick that it imposed a bit of concern. While waiting to board the airplane, I noticed individuals from every age and culture; businessmen, students, and mothers caring for their children all gathered in the same area. It was evident that air transportation, while sometimes pricey, was the only form of transportation that allowed people to quickly travel far distances.

Within two hours, the plane was within the city limits of Chicago and the first signs of sprawl were already visible. Although the sun had already set, thousands of streetlights and headlights illuminated the streets, constructing glowing aisles between suburban developments. When I stood up to exit the plane, I realized how similar the plane’s seating arrangement was to suburban sprawl. Each aisle of seats mirrored a cul-de-sac while the main aisle imitated a major road. If there one person stopped to retrieve their carryon luggage, everyone behind was forced to wait since no other routes were available.

The plane landed around 7:30 pm, but to no surprise, there was still traffic on the streets. My parents were stuck in a gridlock on interstate 294, one of the major streets that bring traffic to Chicago. By the time I left the plane, it was 8:00, but it wasn’t until 9:30 that I got home. The commute to the suburbs involved avoiding a lot of traffic, but like most Americans, urban development is attractive for business and occasional entertainment, but the suburbs provide quiet and affordable housing.