Urban design catering almost exclusively to single family detached housing commuting exclusively by cars was not driven by individual preferences. It is the result of intentional choices made by urban planners in the 1950s and onward. Effectively, these lifestyles are highly subsidized. Only today are we seeing market forces and individual preferences take over as oppressive car-centric zoning policies are relaxed and urban cores revitalize.
Average rents indicate that Manhattan is once again the most highly desired place to live in the country, and for good reason.
> It is the result of intentional choices made by urban planners in the 1950s and onward.
(A) Emphasis on "onward." There's a massive amount of development since 70 years ago; if it were a fluke there's been ample opportunity for it to change.
(B) Who chooses urban planners?
(C) A large number of people want to live in dense population centers. Also, a large number of people don't.
Average rents indicate that Manhattan is once again the most highly desired place to live in the country, and for good reason.