GACE Geography Practice Exam

Suburbanization refers to the process in which people move from densely populated urban areas to the less densely populated suburban areas that surround cities. This movement often occurs as individuals and families seek more space, affordability, and a different quality of life than what is typically found in urban centers. Suburbanization is characterized by the expansion of residential communities outside urban areas and is often associated with the development of infrastructure, such as schools, shopping centers, and transportation links to accommodate the growing populations in suburban locales.

This concept is significant in understanding urban development patterns and the socio-economic changes that accompany such shifts in population. The trend of suburbanization has been particularly prominent in many regions, especially in the mid-20th century, as post-World War II economic growth and the rise of automobile culture made it feasible for individuals to commute to urban jobs while residing in quieter, more spacious suburban environments.