Suburban areas (suburbia) have long been a top choice for parents raising their families. Compared to urban living, suburban areas provide a quieter and more spacious environment, which many families find appealing. With sprawling trees, large homes, and over 52% of the US population, chances are you probably live in suburbia, but have you ever considered the significant impact the suburbs can have on your health? 

First of all, those that live in suburban areas tend to have more sedentary, inactive lifestyles. The heavy reliance on automobile transportation is linked to less opportunities for physical activity. This aspect of suburban life has been related to the increasing obesity rate in the United States according to a 2018 study. The study claims that there is an association between the sprawling development of suburban areas and a national decrease in physical activity and an increase in obesity. Additionally, heavy automobile usage also contributes to increased emission levels, accelerating climate change and lowering air quality. Even though the sparse nature of suburban areas typically results in cleaner air, the increased automobile usage can still expose suburban residents to harsh pollutants.

Second, suburban areas tend to have limited access to healthy food that has been minimally processed. Fast food chains are littered all across suburban areas and are often used by families and individuals that need quick, cheap, and convenient meals. According to this 2018 peer-reviewed study, fast food density is positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), meaning that the presence of fast-food restaurants typically increases obesity levels. 

Third, suburbia can lead to social isolation. Compared to urban living, suburbia typically leads to less opportunities to meet new friends outside of work/school and generally has more social isolation, a result of the spread-out nature of suburban areas, according to the University of Notre Dame. Also, research shows that people with less social connections are more prone to mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and strong feelings of loneliness. 

Living in a suburban area may be negatively impacting your health in ways that you haven’t thought of. Even though there are benefits to living in suburban areas, there are notable downsides: less physical activity, healthy food, and socialization. There are ways to curb these negatives, like promoting biking/walking and raising awareness about the importance of healthy eating. However, as of now, these downsides are still very apparent.