i just have trouble understanding this angle. i grew up in the suburbs and moved into the city during year 2 of my career. i rent a home with 3 roommates even though i could afford that SFH you’re describing. why does a person desire to live in the city for any reason besides for the density?

“jobs”, “good food”, “nightlife”, “dating” and “social opportunities” are all things i hear. the last two are a direct result of density. the first 3 are only possible as indirect results.

anecdotally, the price per sqft of townhomes exceeds that of detached homes in several Seattle neighborhoods. several confounding factors, including the year of the building, but in general that suggests a preference opposite to what you claim. or at least, that, in the face of constricted supply we can’t really tell where the preferences truly lie.