I don't know how many Americans have lived only in suburbs. Between being a kid, a student, a young carefree professional and a parent I've lived in any combination of big, small, cheap, expensive, old, new, busy, quiet neighborhoods.
Right now my "American style" suburban house is perfect. When I'm an empty-nester I might go somewhere else, but I'm not here because I'm unaware of other options.
> young carefree professional
Only about a third of Americans older than 25 have finished college. Not long ago, that figure was more like 1 in 4.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_attainment_in_the_...
> Right now my "American style" suburban house is perfect.
In the time of Covid-19? I agree. Before February 2020? Hell, no. I moved to the 'burbs to a 4-bedroom house from my 2-bedroom city apartment. I'll move back when I can dine at bars and restaurants safely again.
It's fine to walk in a nice tree-lined neighborhood, even in the peak of summer. Walking out in the sun, where there's concrete and asphalt everywhere, that's a big difference.
> genuinely prefer American style suburbs
From among the options they're aware of. That's a confounder that's hard to control for.