nonitalic t1_j0xdcbq wrote on December 20, 2022 at 2:52 AM

I don't think this is broadly true in Massachusetts, but it is true in many states, largely due to the fact that suburbs are a ponzi scheme.

Clollin OP t1_j0xfhcf wrote on December 20, 2022 at 3:09 AM

I think it's more true in Massachusetts than other states (WA, GA). Great video btw.

I think the suburbs I saw in WA and GA were newer and still in the growth phase described in your video. Massachusetts suburbs are older, with surfaces paved with flimsy asphalt instead of durable concrete for whatever reason, so they're in the decay state where the town can't afford to repair them imho, if the video's thesis is correct.

nonitalic t1_j0xlc4h wrote on December 20, 2022 at 3:56 AM

Depends on where you go. Massachusetts's overall wealth means that tax revenues are higher than most states, which helps a lot. Our suburbs are older, sure, but whether a town was built in 1780 or 1880 isn't going to have a big impact on modern infrastructure. I don't know where you went in Georgia, but most suburbs in the South don't have sidewalks at all outside commercial areas.

I don't mind asphalt sidewalks as long as they're maintained, and on sidewalks asphalt can last a surprisingly long time as long as the trees don't get to it.

TheTechOcogs t1_j0z3q7f wrote on December 20, 2022 at 2:16 PM

Massachusetts towns also have a cycle of freezing and thawing that really accelerates this problem

NoMoLerking t1_j0xji95 wrote on December 20, 2022 at 3:41 AM

People move to the suburbs for schools. If the sidewalk is lumpy I think that’s okay.