Edge cities

Definition

Edge cities are urban developments that emerge on the outskirts of traditional cities, typically characterized by a concentration of business, commercial, and retail spaces, along with housing and services. These areas often develop in response to suburban growth and changes in transportation, leading to the decentralization of urban activities and a shift away from city centers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Edge cities often arise near major highways and transportation corridors, making them easily accessible and attractive for businesses and residents alike.
2. These areas typically have more modern infrastructure compared to older city centers, which can help support new economic activities and a diverse range of services.
3. Edge cities can include office parks, shopping malls, entertainment venues, and residential developments, creating a self-sufficient environment that reduces dependence on central urban areas.
4. The concept of edge cities was popularized by urban theorist Joel Garreau in his 1991 book 'Edge City: Life on the New Frontier,' which examined their characteristics and growth patterns.
5. The rise of edge cities reflects broader trends in urbanization, including changing lifestyles, increased mobility, and shifts in where people prefer to live and work.

Review Questions

• How do edge cities reflect the changing patterns of urbanization and suburban growth?
  • Edge cities illustrate the shift in urbanization from traditional city centers to suburban areas as more people move away from densely populated urban environments. They represent a new form of urban development that prioritizes accessibility and convenience, driven by factors such as increased car ownership and improved transportation infrastructure. This transformation allows for mixed-use developments that combine commercial, residential, and recreational spaces, ultimately reshaping how communities interact with their environments.
• Evaluate the impact of edge cities on traditional urban centers and their economies.
  • Edge cities significantly impact traditional urban centers by drawing businesses and residents away from city cores, often resulting in decreased economic activity in those areas. As jobs and services migrate to edge cities, older urban centers may experience increased vacancy rates and declining revenues. This shift not only changes local economies but also prompts city planners to rethink strategies for revitalizing downtown areas and addressing issues like traffic congestion and public transportation needs.
• Analyze the role of technological advancements in transportation and communication on the development of edge cities.
  • Technological advancements in transportation and communication have played a crucial role in the rise of edge cities by facilitating suburbanization and altering work habits. Improved highway systems enable easy access to these newly developed areas, while telecommuting technologies allow people to work from home or remotely. This shift reduces the necessity for daily commutes into city centers, leading to an increase in businesses setting up shop in edge cities where they can attract customers more conveniently. Consequently, this evolution reshapes economic dynamics and lifestyle preferences across urban landscapes.

Related terms

Suburbanization: The process of population movement from within cities to the outskirts, leading to the growth of suburban areas and altering urban landscapes.

Urban Sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often resulting in low-density development and increased reliance on automobiles.

Telecommuting: A work arrangement that allows employees to work remotely, reducing the need for commuting to central business districts and contributing to the rise of edge cities.