An incisive look at the consequences of today's costly and damaging suburban lifestyle

Wasik's observations are firmly grounded in exclusive on-the-ground research, interviews with thought leaders, and the latest studies and statistics. He exposes the untold truths about home ownership: “green” isn't always so “green”; life isn't cheaper after accounting for gas, water, and taxes; and modern suburban living isn't so idyllic considering the toll it takes on our health. But some are attempting to revive suburbia, and Wasik shows us how.

The roots of the worst housing bust in generations lie in the mythology of the American dream: buy as much house as possible, move away from urban centers, home prices will always go up, the schools there are “better.” The foundation of the dream itself is faulty; indeed, the desire that “every man have his castle” is bankrupting us.

Today's crisis in home values is the least of suburbia's problems. The Cul-de-Sac Syndrome details the destructive connections between home ownership, economics, and the environment. John Wasik provides powerful insights into how the U.S. suburban lifestyle became unsustainable and what can be done to salvage it.