Title: 17.3E: The Process of Urbanization - Social Sci LibreTexts
Headings: 17.3E: The Process of Urbanization
17.3E: The Process of Urbanization
Learning Objectives
Key Points
Key Terms
Urbanization and rural flight
Economic and Environmental Effects of Urbanization
Suburbanization and Counterurbanization

Content: In the United States, suburbanization began in earnest after World War II, when soldiers returned from war and received generous government support to finance new homes. Suburbs, which are residential areas on the outskirts of a city, were less crowded and had a lower cost of living than cities. Suburbs grew dramatically in the 1950s when the U.S. interstate highway system was built, and automobiles became affordable for middle class families. Around 1990, another trend emerged known as counterurbanization, or “exurbanization”. The wealthiest individuals began living in nice housing far in rural areas (as opposed to forms). Suburbanization may be a new urban form. Rather than densely populated centers, cities may become more spread out, composed of many interconnected smaller towns. Interestingly, the modern U.S. experience has gone from a largely rural country, to a highly urban country, to a country with significant suburban populations.