Levittown

Levittown is a name that holds a lot of significance in the history of American suburbia. It was one of the first planned communities in the United States and became a template for post-war suburban development. Levittown was built in the late 1940s by the Levitt and Sons construction company and was hailed as the embodiment of the American Dream. The community was designed to provide affordable housing, space, and comfort for middle-class families. This article explores the history, development, and influence of Levittown on the suburban landscape of America.

History of Levittown

Levittown originated in Long Island, New York, in 1947, when William Levitt and his sons launched a project to build more than 17,000 homes on 4,000 acres of land. The development was initially meant for returning military personnel, who were seeking affordable housing and a comfortable lifestyle. The Levitts used assembly-line methods to construct identical homes quickly and efficiently, which made them affordable for the average American family.

Levittown homes were sold for around $7,900, which was equivalent to about $108,000 in today’s dollars. The homes were built with modern appliances, private backyards, and spacious rooms, which provided families with a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. The community was also designed to include parks, schools, churches, and shopping centers, which made it a fully-integrated and self-sufficient neighborhood.

Development of Levittown

The Levitts pioneered the use of mass production techniques to create affordable homes that were built quickly and efficiently. They used pre-cut and pre-fabricated building materials, which allowed for an assembly-line approach to home construction. By using standardized designs and materials, the Levitts were able to build houses quickly and economically, which made them accessible to middle-class families.

Levittown was built on a grid pattern, with wide streets and large lots, which provided families with ample space and privacy. The homes were designed with a modern aesthetic, featuring open floor plans, picture windows, and sliding glass doors. The Levitts also offered a range of models, from the basic two-bedroom ranch to the more luxurious four-bedroom colonial, which provided families with a choice of the style and size of home that suited their needs.

Influence of Levittown

The impact of Levittown on suburban development in the United States cannot be overstated. It set the standard for post-war suburban development and paved the way for the creation of thousands of new communities across the country. Levittown-inspired a new way of living, where families could enjoy the benefits of suburban life, such as safety, comfort, and affluence.

Levittown also had a significant impact on American culture. It represented the traditional nuclear family, with a husband who commuted to work and a wife who stayed at home to take care of the house and children. This idealized image of family life was promoted by the media and became synonymous with the American Dream.

However, Levittown was not without its problems. The community was intended for white, middle-class families only, and was built on land that had previously been farmland and forests. The construction of Levittown displaced indigenous people and led to environmental degradation, which had a lasting impact on the landscape.

Conclusion

Levittown was a product of its time, representing post-war optimism and a belief in the American Dream. Its influence on suburban development in the United States was significant, and it paved the way for the creation of thousands of new communities across the country. However, it also had its drawbacks, including environmental degradation, exclusivity, and a narrow definition of the American family.

Despite these issues, Levittown remains an important part of American history and a symbol of post-war suburban development. Its legacy can be seen in the thousands of communities that followed in its footsteps, and its impact on American culture is still felt today. Levittown represents a suburban dream that many still aspire to, and its story continues to inspire new generations of Americans.