Suburbs

Definition

Suburbs are residential areas located outside the urban core of a city but within commuting distance. They typically feature lower population density, more green spaces, and predominantly single-family homes compared to urban areas.

Analogy

If you think about cities as bustling beehives full of activity, suburbs would be like the surrounding fields where bees go to collect nectar - quieter, less crowded but still connected to the main hive (city).

Related terms

Urban Sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into previously rural land, often characterized by low-density development.

Commuter Towns/Bedroom Communities: Areas where most residents work elsewhere (often in a nearby city), using their local residence primarily for sleeping.

Gentrification: The process whereby lower-income neighborhoods experience an influx of wealthier residents who renovate housing and attract new businesses, raising property values.