NOTE! (After moving from Pakistan to the USA, I realized how something as simple as a parking lot can change daily life. In America, well-planned parking keeps traffic smooth and stress low, unlike the chaos often seen in Pakistan. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in how cities function. This is one lesson developing countries can learn from..)
When I was living in Pakistan, I never really thought much about parking. We were used to parking our cars wherever we found a little space—sometimes on the road, sometimes in front of someone’s gate (hoping they wouldn’t mind), and sometimes even in places where parking wasn’t allowed. It was normal. We don’t think twice, and if we go out—whether for shopping or just a visit—it often means avoiding taking the car. The main reason? Parking stress. Many of the new, large shopping malls lack dedicated parking areas. As a result, cars end up parked on the streets, leading to congestion and traffic jams. But now, after moving to the United States, I’ve realized something very simple—but very smart. And that is: America planned its cities around cars.
I live in a neighborhood in Chicagoland now, and one of the things that makes my life easier every day is the parking system here. Whether I go to a grocery store, a mall, a doctor’s clinic, a restaurant, or even a small convenience store—there is always a big, dedicated parking lot. I don’t have to fight for a spot. I don’t need to drive in circles to find a place. I simply pull in, park my car, and walk in. Simple!
America Knew Cars Were the Future
It feels like the USA made a smart decision 100 years ago—they understood that cars were not just a luxury; they would become a necessity. So they didn’t just build roads; they built cities that could handle a large number of cars. This includes wide roads, proper traffic signals, and most importantly—plenty of space for parking.
In many countries like Pakistan, India, and even the UK and Canada, parking seems like an afterthought. Buildings are made first, and then we think, “Oh, where will people park?” But in the USA, it’s the opposite. They plan the parking space first, then the rest of the building.
Real-Life Example: Grocery Shopping Made Easy
Let me give you a simple example.
In Pakistan, whenever I used to go to buy groceries, I had to deal with chaos. I would reach the store and spend 10–15 minutes just trying to find a parking spot. Sometimes, I had to park two streets away and walk with heavy bags. Other times, traffic jams would block the way because people had parked badly.
Now here in the USA, I go to Walmart or Target or even a local Desi store. I drive in, and guess what? There is a huge parking lot right in front of the building. No tension. No traffic jam. No blocked cars. Even during busy hours, there’s usually enough space to park comfortably. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one parking even though the store is full!
Why There’s No Traffic Jam in My Area
People often ask, “Don’t you get stuck in traffic in America?” My answer: Not really—especially not in my area. And I live in Chicagoland, which is a busy place! Yes, during peak hours on the highways, there might be slow movement, but in neighborhoods, everything is calm and smooth. Why?
Because of two things:
- Smart traffic planning
- Proper parking lots
When every building has its own parking, cars don’t have to stop on the road. This keeps the traffic flowing. In Pakistan, one wrongly parked car can block the entire street. That just doesn’t happen here.
Comparing With the UK and Canada
I’ve lived in the UK and Canada too, and I must say—they do have better parking systems compared to Pakistan. But still, they don’t match the USA. In the UK, many areas were built hundreds of years ago, so the roads are narrow and parking is often limited. You may have to pay for parking, or walk a long distance. In Canada, there’s more space, but in some cities, traffic jams and limited parking are still a problem during rush hours.
In the USA, it’s just different; whenever I need to go out, I take the car without any stress. I know there won’t be any parking problem. It’s a small thing, but it makes life so much easier. It feels like the system was made to support cars at every step.
A Lesson for Developing Countries
I really think countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and others can learn from this. People are buying more cars every day, but we’re not building enough parking space. This leads to traffic jams, road rage, accidents, and frustration.
If we want smooth traffic and peaceful cities, we need to:
- Plan buildings with parking
- Avoid encroaching on roads
- Make wide, well-marked roads
- Educate people on how to park properly
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, small things make a big difference in your daily life. Parking spaces may seem like a small detail, but in the US, I’ve found that they’re a key part of how a city works. More parking spaces mean less traffic jams.People can drive to places without concern about whether or not they will have a place to park. It makes day-to-day life easier and is business-friendly because customers can move about more easily. As more cars hit the roads across the world, proper parking becomes more important.. For me, something as simple as a parking lot changed how I see city planning. It shows how thinking ahead, even 100 years ago, can make life easier for millions today.
Living in the USA has given me an appreciation for order, space, and smart planning. I hope that one day our cities back home will feel this peaceful too.
Thanks for reading. If you’ve had a similar experience or thoughts about traffic and parking spaces, feel free to share in the comments. Let’s talk!
