Is there a suburban neighborhood which is designed to be more urban and less suburb? A design that has the best of both worlds. Are there any good examples of an urban suburban neighborhood?
Great question.
What is the best of both worlds? Are you looking for a new or established community?
Well, Historic Springfield is Jacksonville's first suburb. It's urban, but it's suburban. Single family homes, but within walking distance of downtown. Best of both worlds.
It all depends on what you mean by "urban". Many neighborhoods we consider "urban" developed as suburbs. I take it you mean newer developments than Springfield, Murray Hill, or Avondale.
There are some suburban developments that incorporate urban elements, such as a mix of uses and walkability. Around here, the best example I can think of would be the Tapestry Park. However, one major aspect of modern suburbs is folks living there and commuting elsewhere for work. For most, that means cars. So almost by definition, any post-war suburban community will be heavily residential and auto-oriented.
Just a guess, but it sounds to me like NYC style row house neighborhoods... Try the cathedral district or the 5 Points areas. Our truly urban neighborhoods of Fairfield, LaVilla and Brooklyn, have been leveled by the 'Bold New (Neanderthal) Politician's Of The South. There ARE plenty of Streetcar neighborhoods, Springfield, Brentwood, Phoenix, Panama, Talleyrand, San Marco, Lackawanna, Riverside, AVONDALE (Oh, did my hand hit the all caps key? LOL) Fairfax, Ortega... etc.