Seems that an early alteration in the existing suburbs may be that they become more village-like. Meaning that a scattering of nodes within the sprawl are "re-zoned" (officially or not) to convert a few existing buildings or lots into small groceries, general stores (with video rentals and some hardware items), cafes/bars, tele-commuting offices, transit pick-up points, and other stores or services that allow the surrounding residents to walk, bike, or take a VERY short drive to handle the errands they are now driving long distances for.

Maybe some of the greenspaces put in long ago by the developers will even become community garden or commercial garden space...

Greg in MO
Grub Hoe: The human-powered tiller.

Yadda, yadda, yadda. In reality, you either live in the city as part of the merchant class creating goods or you live in the country and bring your farm goods to market.

So ... if you don't like farming and sweating - move to the city and learn a trade. If you aren't the owner, then learn to sweat over the stitching machine, hydraulic press, mill.