Suburbia

/səˈbɜr.bi.ə/ noun

Definition

Residential areas on the outskirts of a city, or the culture and lifestyle associated with suburban living.

Etymology

From Latin 'sub' (under, near) + 'urbs' (city), literally meaning 'near the city.' The modern term gained popularity in the 20th century as American cities expanded outward with planned residential communities.

Kelly Says

After World War II, federal mortgage programs and highways created American suburbia, which doubled suburban populations and fundamentally reshaped how millions lived—yet suburbs were often designed to feel identical, creating a mass-produced way of life.

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