I think its personal choice. We did both when I was a kid. I loved living on our block. I had so much space to do what i wanted (except the pony thing, my parents wouldn't let me). we lived there for 5 years and it was great. Before that we were in the suburbs and I loved that as well, as we had kids that lived next door that were the same age as us and we all got along great. Then when we moved back to suburbia i was a bit older, which was also good for me because i had more freedom. could walk to the the shops and do my own thing.

I will always remember when we were living in suburbia though one of my friends was living on a farm and for years they lived in a shed and I was jealous! I wanted to live in a shed! Its such a great story to tell when your older. not many people these days have that experience!