Exurb

An exurb is an inhabited area located outside the suburbs that typically surround large urban areas. While exurbs usually have economic, functional, and social connections to nearby cities, they are often less densely populated than traditional suburbs. No matter how far away from the city they may be, the links exurbs share with the city differentiate them from rural areas that are entirely independent of metropolitan hubs. Depending on their location in relationship to the city with which they are connected, different exurbs may be more rural or more densely populated than others. Communities do not necessarily retain their identity as exurbs indefinitely, as some eventually transform into suburbs thanks to urban sprawl and increasing population density. In the twenty-first century, exurbs have become more popular as large numbers of people have fled cities and suburbs in search of cheaper housing and additional space.

Background

To understand the concept of an exurb, it is necessary to examine the differences between urban, suburban, and rural areas. Urban areas include densely populated communities of various sizes, ranging from large metropolises to relatively small cities. The average cost of living is highest in urban areas, with residents often required to pay thousands of dollars per month in rent, even for small apartments. Food costs and other expenses are also often greater in cities. On the other hand, transportation is frequently less of a headache in urban areas than in other places. This is primarily because of the more prominent presence of public transportation options and the ability to reach many important locations on foot. Still, with so many people and buildings, there is usually less living space available to people in urban areas than elsewhere. Commuting is typically not a problem because most people live near where they work and have many options for traveling between home and work if they do not. Finally, urban areas offer the most fast-paced lifestyle for those who wish to take full advantage of engaging social and cultural opportunities.

Suburban areas are less densely populated communities located just outside of cities. While the cost of living can sometimes be even higher in suburbs than in urban areas, they offer much more living space. Multiple-story houses with yards are common. Those who live in the suburbs usually have to own a car, but there are often public transportation options available as well. Living in suburban areas also means commuting to work. While the suburbs are quieter than the city, they attract a wide variety of people and offer many entertainment options within a reasonable distance.

Rural areas are countryside communities largely isolated from cities and suburbs. The cost of living in rural areas is far lower than elsewhere, though transportation costs are likely to be higher because it is absolutely necessary to own a car. In many cases, commuting to work is also a given in rural areas. That said, rural areas offer the largest amount of living space and the quietest possible environment.

Overview

Exurbs are largely residential areas situated just outside the suburbs of a major city or metropolis. While the population density of exurbs can vary—some are more suburban, and some are more rural—it tends to be relatively low in most cases. In many places, exurbs expand into more densely populated suburbs over time thanks to urban sprawl and population growth. Unlike more distant rural communities, exurbs have direct economic and commuter connections to the urban centers they surround. Typically offering more space and greater privacy than urban and suburban environments, exurbs are becoming a popular alternative for those who work in the city but prefer not to live in urban or semi-urban neighborhoods.

The term “exurb” was first coined by author Auguste C. Spectorsky in his 1955 book, The Exurbanites. In the United States, exurbs first appeared as people began to move out of cities in the 1960s and 1970s. As car ownership became a practical reality for a larger number of people during the mid-twentieth century, those who wished to escape the rising crime rates and changing demographics of American cities and had the means to do so began leaving urban centers for quickly emerging smaller communities outside the city limits. As a result, the exurbs initially formed thanks to this trend and soon expanded into full-fledged suburbs.

Exurbs are perhaps best defined in terms of how they differ from suburbs. The most fundamental difference between the two is tied to their location. While suburbs are located just outside city centers, exurbs are typically found a bit further away. Suburbs are often popular because they offer residents additional living space with traditional homes and yards, but exurbs offer even more space for larger homes and expansive yards. Exurbs also offer even more of an escape from the elements of city life than suburbs do. With fewer inhabitants than the suburbs, the demographics of exurbs are a little less varied. Most people who live in exurbs tend to be wealthier, better educated, and more likely to belong to the region’s dominant racial group than cities or suburbs.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to living in exurbs. In terms of advantages, the exurbs allow for greater privacy, less noise and congestion, and lower crime rates. Many exurbs also offer more affordable housing options than the suburbs. Because they are usually located in comparatively rural environments, exurbs offer residents easy access to nature and many outdoor activities. Some exurbs even have small cultural hubs that contribute to a small-town community environment. In terms of disadvantages, exurbs’ greater distance from the city means longer commute times and somewhat limited access to amenities. Exurbs also offer little in the way of public transportation and little ability to get anywhere on foot. In more rural exurbs, there may also be limited access to facilities and infrastructure.

Experts believe the expansion of suburbs and exurbs is likely to increase in the years to come as people continue to look for alternatives to city life. This may be particularly true for exurbs as more businesses utilize technology to allow for remote work, thus allowing a greater number of people to no longer have to worry about commuting to work and have the freedom to live further away from the city.

These predictions were confirmed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic of the early 2020s. Following the pandemic, exurbs experienced rapid growth as people left densely-populated areas. Housing inventories expended in exurbs faster than in cities, suburbs, and rural areas. The continuation of remote work opportunities following the lifting of COVID lockdowns, affordability, and the desire to attain a specific lifestyle were factors that increased the popularity of living in an exurb. 

Bibliography

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Winck, Ben. “Forget the Suburbs, the ‘Exurbs’ Are the Place to Be.” Business Insider, 1 Aug. 2021, www.businessinsider.com/moving-from-suburbs-to-exurbs-pandemic-relocation-where-to-move-2021-7. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.