The way I see it a person has to look at what there is to be gained and weigh the pros and cons. Like it has been mentioned, bungalow colonies were once a great necessity for those living in the city. Those who are living in Flatbush/Boro park the need for recreation still exists but not as easy for everyone now that we lead busier and more complex lifestyles.
For 5 years I lived in the Boro Park/Flatbush area. It was an interesting period of our lives and I loved having so much at our finger tips. 2 groceries, dry cleaner, milchig and fleshig take out, shoe store, liquor store and many other luxuries with in 2 blocks of my front door. Minyonim….even better Litvish, Chassidsh, Sefardic, you name it I could find it and pretty much any time that I wanted it. However, coming from an out of town environment, I wanted a place where my kids could play all year round (the postage stamp size back yard didn’t count as a suitable place) and not be raised in such an intense environment. So my wife and I made the choice to move to a more suburban setting, found a great mokom of Torah for our kids, and B’H we don’t have the need to get away to the country for the summer.
So it’s all about choices. If you feel that while your family goes up they are just schmoozing while your yiddishkeit weakens…then it’s time to rethink the arrangement. If you think it is unfair, that you work extra hard and loose out on certain “family” time, then maybe it’s time for a family meeting.
While I don’t go away, I can see the desire to go up where the air is cleaner and there is clear calmer environment. However, it is not for everyone. For some it works and for some it doesn’t. You just have to see where you stand on the issue and either speak up to make a change or just let it go and face the consequences (either positive or negative depending on the case.)