For us it wasn’t a matter of health, it was a matter of space. We now both work from home which meant that our 900 sq ft row home wasn’t big enough to accommodate our life. We also wanted more outdoor space and a parking spot since my work requires me to drive and come home much later than normal rush hour and there was no place for me to park at those times. Not to mention when working from home in the burbs my partner could avoid all wage taxes and I could avoid some BIRT and NPT taxes. So it’s basically a wash cost of living wise for a bigger place.

Also during the pandemic nothing that makes cities fun and enjoyable we’re still there. Concerts, bars, museums, etc. I know personally I realized that access to these things were not as important to our lives as pre pandemic I would have thought they were.

In general people’s lives and priorities shifted in many fundamental ways that are not shifting back any time soon.

Edit: wanted to add that if you want there are lots of opportunities to walk around in many suburban areas. Do I walk to the grocery store? No. Did I do that when I lived in Fishtown? Also no. Do I know just take regular pleasure walks by myself? Yes. Did I do that in Fishtown? No. So it really depends again on your lifestyle and priorities.