Open Thread

For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: are higher energy prices making life in the suburbs unaffordable?

Suddenly, the economics of American suburban life are under assault as skyrocketing energy prices inflate the costs of reaching, heating and cooling homes on the outer edges of metropolitan areas...As the realization takes hold that rising energy prices are less a momentary blip than a restructuring with lasting consequences, the high cost of fuel is threatening to slow the decades-old migration away from cities, while exacerbating the housing downturn by diminishing the appeal of larger homes set far from urban jobs.

Is this a real problem, or an exaggeration? Will commuters rethink this equation and start moving closer to cities to save on gas? Or will they simply adjust by purchasing more fuel-efficient cars or taking mass transit?