Boomburb

A boomburb is a rapidly growing, suburban city with a population of more than 100,000 that is not the core city of a metropolitan area. These cities typically maintain a relatively high rate of population growth, often exceeding that of the larger metropolitan region they are part of.

Key characteristics of boomburbs include:

• Suburban Location: Boomburbs are located on the periphery of major metropolitan areas.
• Rapid Population Growth: They experience significant and sustained population increases.
• Large Population Size: Boomburbs have populations exceeding 100,000.
• Lack of Central City Status: They are not the primary city or central business district of the metropolitan region.
• Automobile Dependence: Boomburbs are often characterized by sprawling development patterns and a reliance on automobiles for transportation.
• Master-Planned Communities: Many boomburbs are built around large-scale, master-planned communities.
• Employment Centers: While traditionally residential, many boomburbs have evolved into significant employment centers, reducing the need for residents to commute to the central city.
• Diverse Demographics: Many boomburbs are becoming increasingly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

The term "boomburb" helps to distinguish these rapidly growing suburban cities from smaller suburban towns or from core cities undergoing growth. The rise of boomburbs reflects broader trends of suburbanization, decentralization, and the evolving landscape of metropolitan areas.