We moved in, we cleaned out our island and plant beds and put in flowers, cut the lawn, and basically made our yard look great. Within a year, everyone up and down the street followed suit and had a nice looking lawn with flowerbeds.
Needless to say, I love where I live in suburbia. Crime? Huh? My little city sandwiched between two larger ones is patrolled by the same two St. Louis County Cops five days a week. They know the residents of the city, they know who belongs and who doesn't. When they see some possible riff-raff move in, they make their presence known and make them know that they will brook no crap.
Gas prices and driving anywhere? I have a full fledged grocery store within walking distance. I have a Walgreens and Petco within walking distance. I have a Lowes AND a Home Depot within walking distance. I have all the amenities I need within walking distance. So don't give me that crap about living in "the city" is better. Aint' no way I would live in a city environment as I like my small part of surburbia just fine.
I was about to make a similar reply. ( I was going to add Animal Hospital to the list. )