American cities are experiencing a crisis of social disconnection, and urban design is part of the problem.

On the one hand, people who live in car-dependent neighborhoods on the ever-expanding suburban edge report being less likely to know and trust their neighbors than people in more connected communities. Their commutes are sucking up all their time. On the other hand, people who live in residential towers often complain of feeling both crowded and lonely at the same time.

But there may be a sweet spot for sociability somewhere in between.

For more of this Happy City excerpt, read on at FastCo Exist: When Neighbors Tore Down Their Fences, Incredible Things Happened