Would you like that order super-sized?

• Position: YOUR LIFE - Brief article

About two-thirds of the U.S.'s largest cities have reported the appearance of "McMansions"--new, much larger houses built on lots that once contained more modest homes, reveals a study from Ohio State University, Columbus. One in five of the largest cities reported 30 or more McMansions within their boundaries. The number of McMansions is even larger in suburban communities, the study indicates. The growth is spurring many local lawmakers to find ways to regulate super-sized houses.

"The phenomena of McMansions may represent a sea change in which residents with money are moving back into cities and older suburbs, rather than building homes far from the central city," notes Jack Nasar, professor of city and regional planning. Of course, what constitutes a "McMansion" is in the eye of the beholder. Nasar says his research suggests that the ratio of the size of the house compared to neighboring houses makes the biggest difference to residents. Neighbors do not like a structure that is too much bigger than others in the immediate area.

"Many...