[smallnamespace]

I think you're describing the difference between a suburban town vs. a suburban bedroom community. The latter usually lacks services and amenities [1] or a real sense of community, so on the weekends you're forced to commute just to get a good meal.

Luckily both exist -- often times the sweet spot is to live near downtown + transit of a smaller town. Then you get a faster commute, some walkability, and the option to do things in town as well.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commuter_town

[Sleeep]

IDK, I would not, personally, consider my town in any way suburban. It's European "founding" predates the American revolution and the vast majority of the construction in the town center is pre war and it's nowhere near any major or even minor urban area.

My opinion on suburbia that I stated was based on what would be "suburban town" moreso than a "suburban bedroom community." I've never lived in the latter.

I know it's just my opinion though, I know some people like suburbia but smallish towns like mine are better at providing greenery, nature, and a low cost of living plus a pleasant environment. To me suburbs are the opposite of that. (Getting to the airport is a giant pain in the ass though...)

Pretty much the first thing I did when I moved here was take a walk!