Last edited 18 Sep 2020

Exurb

1 Introduction
2 Residential focus
3 Resurgence of the exurb
4 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

[edit] Introduction

The term exurb, exurbia or exurbian is a US reference to the residential areas well beyond the suburbs. This term is comparable to the UK term, stockbroker belt.

[edit] Residential focus

The residents of these neighbourhoods are often wealthy commuters or exurbanites. These neighbourhoods may also be referred to as commuter towns or bedroom communities.

Exurbs and suburbs are similar in nature. They are dominated by residential properties (and associated services) rather than commercial or industrial facilities. However, there are slight differences between exurbs and suburbs. Suburbs tend to be developed in an area that is near a primary source of employment (such as a major city), while exurbs are more rural and may be separated from the suburbs by green space.

[edit] Resurgence of the exurb

The first use of the term exurb goes back to the 1950s. The concept was popularised by Auguste C. Spectorsky in his 1955 book, 'The Exurbanites'.

The appeal of the exurbs increased dramatically after 2000 and then dipped until about 2010. In 2019, more millennials were moving to the exurbs, reversing the downward trend of the previous decade.

The attraction of exurbs has several causes, including the need for homes that are affordable, as the cost of city living is beyond reach for some. In addition, the upheaval in the manufacturing sector has resulted in the closure of many large sources of traditional employment. While residents remain in their communities, they may be forced to look for jobs elsewhere in other towns or cities.