Key Points
- U.S. suburbs are residential areas near cities with family-friendly homes.
- These Suburbs grew post-WWII via highways, cars, and the GI Bill.
- Top suburbs include Ardmore, Johns Creek, and Mesa, AZ, by size or schools.
The United States is known for various larger-than-life cities like California and New York City, but one hidden gem that many haven’t heard of yet is the U.S. Suburbs. Let us learn more about the Suburbs in the USA through this article.
What Are Suburbs in the USA?
The outskirts of the U.S. cities and urban areas, where people live in quieter, community‑centred neighbourhoods. Rather than in dense urban cores, these areas are broadly understood as residential areas surrounding larger cities, usually within commuting distance,
These areas are often linked to nearby cities by roads or transit and are characterised by lower housing density, predominantly single‑family homes, and a family‑oriented lifestyle.
Officially, the federal government does not have a strict definition for suburbs; the United States Census Bureau categorises areas as urban or rural, but not suburban. Despite this, most Americans (about half) self‑identify as living in suburban communities.
History of Suburbs in the USA
The concept of suburbs in North America dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here is how it began:
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Railway and streetcar lines extended out from cities like New York and Boston. This enabled daily commuting and early suburban growth.
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After World War II, suburbanisation exploded. With returning veterans using GI Bill benefits to buy affordable homes and new highways facilitating car travel, suburbs expanded rapidly outside major urban centres.
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It also introduced the classic image of American suburbs, with broad streets, yards and single‑family houses.
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Today, Levittown in New York stands out as the prototype of post‑war suburbia. It is a planned community built in the late 1940s that became a model for mass‑produced suburban housing across the country.
Where Are Suburbs Found?
Suburbs are located on the edge of, or near, larger metropolitan areas. They may be independent municipalities with their own schools and services, or unincorporated communities that rely on nearby city infrastructure.
For example:
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Ardmore, Pennsylvania, lies just outside Philadelphia. It is known for its walkable core and historical development.
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Johns Creek, Georgia, sits near Atlanta and is praised for its family appeal.
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Mesa, Arizona, is often thought of as a city in its own. But it is considered the largest suburb in the US by population, and surpasses many major cities.
What is the Significance of U.S. Suburbs?
The significance of the U.S. Suburbs are:
Lifestyle and Housing
Suburbs traditionally offer quieter, family‑oriented living, with more space and often better public schools than nearby urban areas. Single‑family homes with yards are common, though older suburbs can feature denser housing and more walkable streets.
Demographics and Diversity
While once stereotypically middle‑class and less diverse, American suburbs are now increasingly multicultural, reflecting broader demographic shifts in the country.
Urban vs Suburban Differences
Inner suburbs, which developed earlier, sometimes retain better access to transit and local amenities, while newer outer suburbs tend to be more car‑dependent and spread out.
What Is the Best Suburb to Live in the U.S.?
“Best” varies by what you value, and families often seek strong schools and community. Along with this, others prioritise walkability or local amenities.
Recent rankings by reputable sources highlight suburbs like Chesterbrook, PA; Ardmore, PA; and Brookline, MA as winners in different categories. They combine quality of life with proximity to major cities.
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What Is America’s Largest Suburb?
By population, Mesa, Arizona, is considered the largest suburb in the United States, with more residents than many major urban centres.
To conclude, suburbs in the USA are vital components of metropolitan life. They offer residential comfort, community networks, and a bridge between urban energy and quieter neighbourhood living.
Their evolution reflects broader social, economic and demographic changes in American society over the past century.
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