Final answer:
The expansion of suburbs, originally due to overcrowding in cities, led to the development of suburban and exurban areas. These areas, offering a less crowded living space, created a trade-off of longer commute times and increased use of resources. As suburbs grew, the rise in traffic and segregation of neighborhoods became notable urban challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urban Commute and Suburb Development
The phenomenon of suburban sprawl signifies the expansion of suburbs as cities become more crowded, leading to longer commutes for residents. As urban areas grew and public transportation options improved, people began to move to suburbs for more space while maintaining access to city jobs.
In the 1850s, suburbs began to thrive due to this urban exodus, and later on, exurbs evolved as communities even farther from city centers. The daily commute from suburbs or exurbs became a trade-off for living in less crowded areas that still provide a semblance of the rural past with their gardens and lawns.
Over the years, the rise in suburban living has led to more traffic congestion, an increase in commuting times, and further demand on natural resources such as petroleum, leading to higher carbon emissions.
Suburban and exurban areas developed not only to cater to residential needs but also driven by economic aspects. Eventually, employers started to add offices and factories in these areas, reducing the need for daily commutes to city centers and contributing to the racial and economic segregation of neighborhoods. Modern cities now grapple with sprawl and infrastructure challenges, and the distinction between suburban and exurban areas continues to blur as expansion persists.