AMERICAN HOMES (1)

        The majority of Americans live in or near large cities, but small living-town is still widespread. A suburb (a small com­munity near a big city) offers the advantages of safer, more intimate small-town life with the recreational and cultural activities of the big city nearby. For the typical American fami­ly, home may be at different place every five or six years. Most moves relate to new job opportunities, but sometimes the American pioneering spirit and desire for adventure inspire the move.

        About two-thirds of Americans live in homes or apartments that they own. But many people rent their living quarters. Some high-rise apartments are very expensive and elegant, but many are built for moderate or even low-income families. Many apartment buildings are condominiums or cooperative apart­ments, which means that each family owns the unit it lives in. More than 10 million Americans live in mobile homes, living quarters built on wheels. They can be moved, but are general­ly brought to a site that becomes more or less permanent. Then the wheels are removed and the home is attached to the ground. Because they cost less than conventional homes, mobile homes are especially popular with young couples and retired couples with a limited income.

QUESTIONS:

1. Where do the majority of Americans live?
2. What is a «suburb»?
3. Do many people rent their living quarters?
4. What can you tell about mobile homes?
5. Why are mobile houses so popular with young couples?

VOCABULARY:

majority — большинство

suburb —пригород

to inspire — вдохновлять

living quarter — жилая площадь

mobile house — подвижный дом

permanent — постоянный

income — доход