What is Urban Sprawl?

Urban sprawl is the spreading of a city or its suburbs. It often involves the construction of residential and commercial buildings in rural areas or otherwise undeveloped land at the outskirts of a city. Most residents of typical sprawl neighborhoods live in single-family homes and commute by car to their jobs in the city. Concerns over this phenomenon and its consequences have been raised and largely focus on negative consequences for residents and the local environment. On the other hand, some argue that it illustrates positive growth of a local economy.

The term urban sprawl is generally used with negative connotations. Because people in sprawling neighborhoods tend to drive more than those who live in the city, it is sometimes associated with increased air pollution. It has also been linked to obesity since walking or bicycling usually are not viable commuting options for those commuting from the outskirts of a city into town.

Traditional cities, like many small and mid-sized cities in modern-day Europe, were typically oriented in a compact and efficient way. Preferences of many people, especially in the United States, have led to suburban development — accommodating for the development in an outward instead of upward manner. Developments such as shopping malls, fast food chains, strip malls, and housing subdivisions are especially typical of urban sprawl. Subdivisions are often cited as primary examples of a less efficient use of space that characterizes sprawl. These layouts often only have a few places to enter and exit, causing main roads to have more traffic at these points.

Urban sprawl often happens quickly, as opposed to gradually. Another key characteristic is its low-density land use, where the amount of land consumed per capita is much higher than in more densely populated city areas. Wide streets, large lawns, and landscaping are typical in this pattern.

Single-use zoning is also a common part of this phenomenon. This city planning approach separates residential, commercial, and industrial areas from one another, usually by a distance that is not conducive with walking thereby increasing the importance of vehicles. While public transportation is typically available in the suburbs, most of these areas are highly dependent on cars. Though sprawl is common in developed countries, it is not limited to them. Many cities in developing countries, such as Mexico City, experience it as well.

While the term urban sprawl typically is used with negative connotations, the economic growth that supports it is viewed as a positive thing by many. In addition, many support the community structure of a suburb as opposed to a city as the pace of life is typically slower and space is not at such a premium. Additionally, suburbs are often, though not necessarily, said to be safer, and as a result these areas are often places people move to to raise their children.