Exurb

The expression "exurb" (for "extra-urban") was coined in the 1950s to describe the ring of prosperous rural communities beyond the suburbs that, due to availability via the new high-speed limited-access highways, were becoming dormitory communities for an urban area. Earlier exurbs had been reached through commuter rail and parkway systems, with classic examples towards the end of Philadelphia's Main Line and in Upper Westchester County, New York.

In his book On Paradise Drive, David Brooks commented on the massive growth of American exurbs in the 1990s and early 2000s, and noted that these communities are now dependent on industries contained in office parks in the suburbs rather than in the city center, producing (and attracting) populations with no connection to urban city life. Brooks attributes the victory of George W. Bush in the 2004 election to votes from exurbs and states his belief that the Democratic Party failed in connecting with voters in exurbs.

Environmentalists consider many typical exurbs to be manifestations of poor or distorted planning. Extremely low densities – often featuring large lots and "McMansions" – create heavy car dependency {a very deliberate design choice}. This also makes the construction of municipal infrastructure and deployment of services unusually costly and inefficient. Nevertheless, relatively cheap land and low taxes fuel rapid economic and population growth in many exurbs. Such communities typically include big box retailers and large shopping malls. Middle class families with children are attracted to the ample space and low costs found in these areas.

Exurbs are not unique to the United States — they are also found in other land-rich developed countries, notably Canada and Australia.

Not all exurbs are wealthy. Depending on local circumstances, some exurbs (like those found in Western Sydney or the Inland Empire east of Los Angeles) can demonstrate higher poverty levels than other parts of their respective metropolitan regions.

Exurb

Table of contents

Example Exurbs

United States

Canada

Australia

See also