I haven't lived in another country yet. But soon.

That said, your point is well taken. I agree. The way we do things isn't the best, especially from an urban planning perspective. And, really, the only people who pine for a more European (and other parts of the world) way are urban planners and a handful of professionals and activists. To most Americans, it's the antithesis of what they want (not matter what they say) and a novelty to go see on vacation like Disneyland.