What was the primary factor contributing to the rise of suburbs in the Post-World War II era?

The rise of suburbs in the Post-World War II era can be primarily attributed to increased automobile ownership and highway construction. This period saw a dramatic expansion in car ownership as manufacturing surged and automobiles became more affordable for the average American family. The development of a vast network of highways facilitated commuting from suburban areas to urban centers, allowing people to live farther from their workplaces.

As highways made travel easier, they encouraged the movement of families to suburban areas where larger homes and green spaces were available at lower costs compared to urban housing. This shift was part of a broader trend that included urban sprawl and changes in lifestyle preferences, as many Americans sought the space and perceived safety that suburban living offered.

In contrast, while public transportation options, tax rates, and interest rates can influence housing patterns, they did not play as significant a role in the widespread suburbanization seen in this era as the automobile and the highway system did. The convenience and freedom offered by car ownership, combined with the accessibility provided by new roads, fundamentally transformed the way Americans lived and worked, making suburbia a desirable alternative to city life.