[KevinFromTexas]

Yeah, but I don't see New York developers groping for 6-story wood framed buildings. And while the density levels may be high in some foreign cities, it's likely the results you get when there are 11 people living in one dwelling. There are multiple factors at play there.

I don't think anyone would risk their reputation on calling the suburbs dense, at least, not in built form, but when you realize its mostly comprised of families with 4 or more people living in each housing unit, the numbers do add up. Compare that to the inner city sometimes that might be made up of only career minded folks who aren't married or have no kids - or DINKS, and also the retired crowd who wanted to stay in the city. Those people contribute to a lower urban density than what you might see in the suburbs. Part of that is affordability, but also a perception that cities aren't good for raising kids.