The outward expansion of urban areas into previously rural or less densely populated regions is a significant demographic and spatial process. This involves the growth of residential areas, commercial districts, and industrial parks on the periphery of cities. A key example is the development of sprawling residential communities with single-family homes and reliance on automobiles for transportation surrounding major metropolitan centers.
This phenomenon is vital to understanding population distribution, economic patterns, and environmental changes. It provides increased housing options and potential for larger living spaces for residents. Historically, factors such as increased affordability, improved transportation infrastructure, and changing societal preferences have contributed to its acceleration, leading to both opportunities and challenges for urban planning and resource management.