Which term is used to describe the gradual shift of people and businesses from urban areas to suburban areas?

The term that describes the gradual shift of people and businesses from urban areas to suburban areas is suburbanisation. This process typically involves individuals and families moving away from densely populated city centers to lower-density residential areas on the outskirts, known as suburbs. The allure of suburban living often includes better living conditions, such as more space, lower costs for housing, and access to green areas, which are attractive for families.

Suburbanisation is a key trend in urban geography, especially in developed countries where transportation improvements enable easier access to suburban areas from urban centers. This phenomenon can also lead to urban decentralisation, where businesses relocate from the city to suburban locations seeking lower operating costs and larger spaces than what urban settings may provide.

In contrast, urban migration usually refers to the movement of people towards urban centers, while urban renewal pertains to the redevelopment of older urban areas to improve social and economic conditions, often without the element of displacement to suburban areas. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the dynamics of evolving urban landscapes.