The result is that many new suburban areas, particularly those where land prices are high, have gaggles of young kids living in houses close together. A community brimming with children is paradise for families wanting playmates, but an ordeal if you seek solitude and peace. Know thyself as a home buyer. Gaylord was surprised that the neurologist was so put off by her neighbors' parrots that she felt the need to move. And in contrast to the doctor, he likes the sociability of living in close quarters.
Extroverts do better in high-density communities than do introverts.
Ellen James Martin is a syndicated columnist.