Fifth, how about if we add obesity, mental illness (we have the 2nd highest consumption of anti-depressants in the OECD), social isolation, less time to spend with family and friends (due to long commutes and associated factors) and other similar "ills" into the equation? Sure having a roomy house and a garage is nice but I'm not sure if it fully compensates for the above.
Again with the unsubstantiated claims.
NYC has a similar obesity rate to Australia and you'll find a greater correlation between poverty and obesity than low-density living and obesity. In Australia, our outer suburbs tend to be socioeconomically disadvantaged, hence the higher rates of obesity in the suburbs.
Between 2003 and 2007, the prevalence of obesity in New York City increased from 20% to 22%. Obesity was highest and increased the most among people living in low-income neighborhoods. Differences in obesity existed between neighborhoods with different levels of access to physical activity opportunities and food amenities.
http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/obesity/statistics_and_impact/
In the 2005 National Health Survey, 53.6% of Australians reported being overweight (above a 25 BMI), with 18% falling into the "obese" category (above a 30 BMI).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity_in_Australia
So far as mental illness goes, I find it odd that you blame suburban sprawl and odder still that you use the prescription/consumption of antidepressants as a measure.
Countless studies have found a correlation between city living and mental illness. Most Australians live in cities. If you're concerned about mental illness, move to the country not to a higher density city where the issue is only compounded.
So far as anti-depressants go, we followed America's lead on that one. New Yorkers were the trail blazers. You'll find English-speaking countries are more likely to diagnose and treat mental illness because, frankly, we have that luxury. On a global scale, we're pampered. A little self-indulgent, some might say.
In many countries mental illness is simply not treated (rates of mental illness are very high in poorer countries but there's simply no means of treatment).
And as real as depression is, Australia and the USA are both guilty of prescribing medication a little too liberally. Once again, you'll find plenty of Prozac poppers in NYC. It's a cultural phenomenon throughout the English-speaking world.
Social isolation of suburban living? Some people have families, you know? Some people even have friends and relatives who live nearby. Who would've thunk it, eh? And you do realise there are clubs, community groups, social activities, etc.. in the 'burbs, right?
And less time to spend with family and friends because of increased travel time? Stop making stuff up. A lot of people living in the outer 'burbs don't work in the CBD. They often work nearby and it takes them no time at all to drive to work.
Even if they live in the outer 'burbs and work in the CBD, the longest train journey will be about an hour which is comparable to many high density cities. Some people use this time to read a book or listen to some tunes. It can be annoying, but it's a sacrifice they're mostly willingly making.
Inner city apartment versus a house in the suburbs. Your choice will largely be dictated by your personality and lifestyle, there is no right or wrong.
I've spent most of my life living the inner city and by gawd it depressed the heck out of me.
Some people like medium to high density living. For those who enjoy eateries, nightlife, etc., it's great. For some people, especially those with children or pets, medium to high density is undesirable.
To each their own.
I agree that more medium density housing should be built in capital cities as there is a lot of demand for it and it is, if done correctly, more resource efficient, but don't pretend that it's everyone's cup of tea.