Book cover of Crabgrass Frontier: The Suburbanization of the United States

Book description

The winner of the Bancroft Prize and the Francis Parkman Prize, this book is the first detailed history of suburban life in America from its origin to the drive-in culture of today.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Crabgrass Frontier as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book brings together economics, education, and urban development by showing how our public policies advantaged wealthy suburbanites over less wealthy urban dwellers after World War II. Many people think there is a natural migration to the suburbs after couples have children. Jackson does a masterful job of showing why that is not the natural order of things. It is the result of specific policy choices such as how we fund infrastructure, what tax incentives we provide, who has access to credit, and how we draw political boundaries. His insights offer a blueprint for a more equitable society.

From Howard's list on inspiring people to improve the world.

If you love Crabgrass Frontier...

Ad

Book cover of A Block in Time: A New York City History at the Corner of Fifth Avenue and Twenty-Third Street

A Block in Time by Christiane Bird,

This is the story of New York City, told through the prism of one block. It’s a story of forest and cement, bird cries and taxi horns, theaters and brothels, hotels and factories, gambling dens and gourmet foods. 

It’s also the story of high life and low life, immigrants and…

Want books like Crabgrass Frontier?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Crabgrass Frontier.

Browse books like Crabgrass Frontier

Book cover of The Grapes of Wrath
Book cover of The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Book cover of Good Economics for Hard Times

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?