Isn't it probably more about simple population and physical density, though. Actually, isn't more about land use? Generally, commercial areas are always lit more than residential areas, especially residential areas consisting of single-family homes. This is even true in higher-crime cities like Detroit. In fact, I've always been surprised at the dimness in Detroits residential neighborhoods.
What I think accounts for more of the difference in lighting is where a city's commercial properties lay throughout the city, and if it's in strip form, centered on malls, or centered in storefronts in village center-type developments along corners.
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Where the trees are the right height
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