Levittown

LevittownPA

Levittown is a term used to describe a series of seven large suburban housing developments created in the United States of America by Levitt & Sons. The first and most famous of these developments is located in Long Island, New York, and was constructed between 1947 and 1951. Levittown has become a symbol of post-World War II suburbanization and the American Dream, offering affordable housing to returning veterans and their families.

History

The concept of Levittown was developed by Abraham Levitt and his two sons, William and Alfred, who founded Levitt & Sons. The company initially focused on building rental houses for the military during World War II. After the war, they shifted their focus to address the acute housing shortage, creating the prototype of mass-produced housing.

The first Levittown, located in Hempstead, Long Island, was built on the principle of providing affordable, standardized houses in a planned community. The Levitts revolutionized construction techniques, introducing assembly line processes that allowed them to build houses quickly and efficiently. This innovation significantly reduced the cost of homes, making homeownership accessible to a broader segment of the American population.

Design and Features

Levittown houses were modest in size, typically featuring an open-plan living area, two or three bedrooms, and a bathroom. The houses were built on concrete slabs, eliminating the need for a basement. Each house came with a small plot of land, and early models were equipped with modern appliances, which was a significant selling point at the time.

The community design included curved streets and cul-de-sacs, which deviated from the traditional grid pattern and was intended to create a sense of community and reduce traffic. Levittown also featured communal amenities such as swimming pools, parks, and shopping centers to serve its residents.

Impact

Levittown had a profound impact on American society, setting the standard for post-war suburban development. It symbolized the attainability of the American Dream, offering economic mobility and a comfortable lifestyle. However, Levittown also faced criticism for its lack of architectural diversity and initially, for its exclusionary policies, as the original Levittown in New York did not sell homes to African American families.

The development of Levittown and similar communities facilitated the growth of the suburbs and contributed to the demographic shift away from urban centers. This shift had lasting effects on American society, including changes in transportation, with an increased reliance on automobiles, and the development of the consumer culture that characterized the 1950s.

Legacy

Today, Levittown is recognized as a pivotal development in American urban planning and housing. It remains a subject of study for its innovations in mass housing production and its impact on American culture and society. Levittown has also been featured in various cultural works, reflecting its iconic status in the American imagination.