MILWAUKEE -- There might actually be a silver lining to high gas prices and a soft housing market.

Land-use experts and real estate agents said that people have become wary about building new homes and commuting long distances. This could mean a slowdown to suburban sprawl and preservation of Wisconsin farmland.

Steve Hiniker, the executive director of a land-use advocacy group, said that he thinks urban areas will see more growth, and farmland and natural areas will be left open.

Matt Moroney, the executive director of the Metropolitan Builders Association, said that he doesn't hear people worrying about high gas prices as much as the commute times. He thinks that might lead to a trend of homes built closer to cities than in far-flung suburbs.

He said that the market is getting back to the old mantra: location, location, location.