[ksplicer]

"New housing should be of a family-friendly type (something with a yard for kids to play in)"

Low density of other children nearby and inability for children to safely travel on their own is not family friendly. I agree that if we only build one and two bedroom apartments its going to discourage larger families, but there is no reason we can't build denser three or four bedroom housing.

Though honestly I think the entire premise of this article is flawed. Cost of housing is only one of many factors. Cost of having children is higher than ever before, which housing can play a factor in.

[bryanlarsen]

Yes, IMO the most important thing that makes a place family friendly is lots of accessible kids nearby.

The suburbs used to be that. Mine was built in the 70's and used to have a family with kids in pretty much every house, now it's mostly empty nesters. And in the 70's the streets used to be safe because even though it had no sidewalks there were always kids walking them. Now the cars go 40 and don't expect to see kids. Urban sidewalks are safer than suburban streets.

Denser neighborhoods means more people close by, which should mean more kids.

The problem is perception. People think you need a backyard. But a nearby park full of kids kids can walk to own their own is far more important than a backyard, in my opinion. Even if my opinion is correct, it doesn't matter because people act on what they believe. And if most believe you need a backyard...