Suburban

Suburban refers to an area or a type of residential community, typically located on the outskirts of a city. Suburbs are often characterized by lower population density, single-family homes, and increased reliance on automobile transportation compared to urban areas.

History

The concept of the suburb has its roots in the Roman and Byzantine periods, but the modern suburban growth is predominantly a post-World War II phenomenon, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. This was largely facilitated by the development of infrastructure, such as roads and railways, and later by the widespread availability of the automobile and the growth of the middle class.

Characteristics

Suburbs are typically characterized by a lower population density compared to urban areas. They often consist of single-family homes, though this can vary depending on the region and the specific suburban community. Suburbs often have their own shopping centers, schools, and recreational facilities, but residents may commute to the city for work or other activities.

Suburbanization

Suburbanization is the process by which cities expand outward, typically in the form of suburbs. This process has been facilitated by improvements in transportation and infrastructure, as well as economic and social factors. Suburbanization has had significant impacts on urban planning, environmental issues, and social dynamics.

Criticism and Controversy

Suburban development has been criticized for contributing to urban sprawl, a phenomenon characterized by the spread of low-density, auto-dependent development. This has been linked to a range of environmental and social issues, including increased greenhouse gas emissions, loss of agricultural land, and social segregation.

See Also

• Urban area
• Rural area
• Urban sprawl
• Suburbanization
• City