Urban Development Concepts Quiz

Definitions

• Gentrification: Older neighborhoods are replaced with new construction, like shops and housing on the ground floor.

• Infill: Empty or run-down areas within a city are filled with new development.

• Metropolitan area: A large population center containing a large city and surrounding smaller towns and suburbs.

• Rural fringe: Small towns, farms, and open spaces bordering a city's suburbs.

• Suburbs: Developed areas located at the edge of a city, primarily residential but also containing stores and businesses

• Urban Core: The older part of a large city, including the downtown and central business district.

• Urban Fringe: The ring of small towns and suburbs surrounding a large city.

• Urban Sprawl: The rapid, often unplanned, expansion of development from a city into surrounding rural areas.

Pros and Cons of Urban Sprawl

• Pros*

• Lower building costs: Building in rural areas is typically less expensive.

• More desirable homes: Homes outside the city are often considered better places to raise a family.

• Increased business and jobs: Building new houses creates new business opportunities and jobs.

• Cons*

• Increased reliance on cars: Sprawl leads to increased car use, causing traffic congestion and air pollution.

• Habitat loss: Development destroys natural habitats and wildlife.

• Higher taxes: Construction companies, infrastructure expansion, and sprawl contributes to increased taxes.

• Poorly planned development: Often badly planned and leads to environmental issues.

Urban Sprawl Movement

• Urban sprawl begins as a compact urban core.
• Development expands outward, forming an urban fringe.
• The urban fringe is followed by rural open land (rural fringe).

Key Concepts

• Mixed-use development
• Public transportation system
• Smart Growth
• Traffic
• Urban growth boundary

Test your understanding of key urban development concepts such as gentrification, urban sprawl, and the metropolitan area. This quiz explores the pros and cons of urban sprawl and its impact on communities. Discover how various factors shape our cities and suburbs.