Characterizing Exurbia

Millions of Americans are choosing to live in the exurban countryside-a trend that could transform the politics, government, and economic structure of the nation. Exurbanization is a product of the continued deconcentration of population and economic development in the contiguous forty-ight states. Some writers offer that exurban development will dominate the continent by the early part of the next century. This article reviews the reasons why millions of households choose the exurban countryside, suggests the sociocultural orientations of exurbanites, and discusses the implications of exurbanization for theories of urban form and urban policy. It is argued that there is a need for a definition of exurbia that allows for convenient statistical analysis. Once a definition is agreed upon, research into the characteristics and implications of exurbanization can proceedfrom a common base.