Definition
A bedroom community, also known as a commuter town or dormitory town, refers to a residential area where the majority of the population commutes to a nearby city or employment center for work. These communities are typically located in suburban areas and feature predominantly residential units with limited local job opportunities. The term “bedroom community” implies that residents primarily use their homes for sleeping, as much of their daily life, work, and social activities occur outside the community.
Examples
- Greenwich, Connecticut: A classic example of a bedroom community, Greenwich is a popular residential choice for people working in New York City, offering a tranquil suburban lifestyle with proximity to urban work centers.
- Arlington, Virginia: While it has some local employment, many residents commute to Washington, D.C., making Arlington an excellent example of a bedroom community serving a major employment hub.
- Palo Alto, California: While it is home to Stanford University and some businesses, many professionals still commute to the larger Silicon Valley or San Francisco Bay Area, defining it as a bedroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are they called “bedroom communities”?
A: The term “bedroom community” originates from the notion that residents primarily return home to sleep (use their homes as “bedrooms”) after spending most of their time working or engaging in activities outside the community.
Q: What are the advantages of living in a bedroom community?
A: Advantages include a quieter, more suburban lifestyle, often with better schools, less traffic congestion, and more green space compared to urban living.
Q: Are there economic downsides to bedroom communities?
A: Economic downsides can include higher transportation costs for commuting, limited local job opportunities, and potentially less diversified local economies.
Q: How do bedroom communities impact urban planning?
A: They require careful urban planning to manage increased traffic from commuting, ensure adequate public transportation, and balance residential growth with the preservation of green spaces.
- Suburb: A residential area on the outskirts of a city.
- Urban Sprawl: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas.
- Commuter Belt: The area surrounding a city from which people travel to work.
- Mixed-Use Development: Real estate projects that combine residential, commercial, and recreational uses in one space.
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): A type of urban development designed to maximize access to public transport.
References and Resources
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream” by Andrés Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and Jeff Speck
- “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs
- “The Geography of Nowhere: The Rise and Decline of America’s Man-Made Landscape” by James Howard Kunstler
- “Edge City: Life on the New Frontier” by Joel Garreau
Fundamentals of Bedroom Community: Urban and Suburban Studies Basics Quiz
### Why are places like Greenwich, Connecticut considered bedroom communities?
- [x] Because most residents commute to nearby cities for work.
- [ ] Because they lack residential housing.
- [ ] Because they have a large number of job opportunities.
- [ ] Because they are located in rural areas.
> **Explanation:** Greenwich, Connecticut is considered a bedroom community because a significant number of its residents commute to New York City for work, despite living in a predominantly residential area.
### What is a primary characteristic of a bedroom community?
- [ ] High employment opportunities within the community.
- [ ] Luxurious urban living facilities.
- [x] Limited local employment opportunities.
- [ ] Mostly commercial buildings.
> **Explanation:** The primary characteristic of a bedroom community is that it provides predominantly residential housing with limited local employment opportunities, leading many residents to commute to nearby cities for work.
### What is a common advantage of living in a bedroom community?
- [x] Quieter, more suburban lifestyle.
- [ ] High congestion similar to city living.
- [ ] Large number of nightlife and entertainment options.
- [ ] High local employment rates.
> **Explanation:** A common advantage of living in a bedroom community is the quieter, more suburban lifestyle with benefits like better schools, less traffic congestion, and more green spaces.
### How do bedroom communities affect urban planning?
- [ ] They require fewer roads and public transport solutions.
- [x] They necessitate careful planning for transportation and traffic management.
- [ ] They lead to reduced housing prices in urban areas.
- [ ] They result in decreased need for public infrastructure.
> **Explanation:** Bedroom communities necessitate careful urban planning to manage the increased traffic resulting from commuting, ensure adequate public transportation, and maintain a balance between residential growth and green space preservation.
### What term describes the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into bedroom communities?
- [ ] Urban decay
- [ ] Mixed-use development
- [ ] Transit-oriented development
- [x] Urban sprawl
> **Explanation:** Urban sprawl describes the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into previously less-developed bedroom communities, often leading to various planning and environmental challenges.
### Why might living in a bedroom community involve higher transportation costs?
- [x] Due to the need for residents to commute to nearby cities for work.
- [ ] Because of high local gas prices.
- [ ] Because they are located far from highways.
- [ ] Because they offer no public transportation options.
> **Explanation:** Living in a bedroom community can involve higher transportation costs because residents often need to commute to nearby cities for work, resulting in increased spending on fuel, vehicle maintenance, or public transportation.
### Which type of development aims to maximize access to public transport in urban and suburban areas?
- [ ] Urban sprawl
- [ ] Suburbanization
- [ ] Bedroom Community Development
- [x] Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
> **Explanation:** Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban and suburban development strategy designed to maximize access to public transport, encouraging reduced car dependency and improved urban living conditions.
### What aspect of bedroom communities often improves compared to urban centers?
- [ ] Employment rates
- [x] Quality of schools
- [ ] Number of entertainment options
- [ ] Public transport facilities
> **Explanation:** The quality of schools in bedroom communities is often better compared to urban centers, attracting families who prioritize education and a suburban lifestyle.
### Which term is synonymous with a bedroom community?
- [ ] Edge city
- [ ] Metropolitan area
- [ ] Rural town
- [x] Commuter town
> **Explanation:** A commuter town is another term for a bedroom community, emphasizing the fact that many residents commute to work in nearby cities.
### Why do bedroom communities pose a challenge for sustainable urban planning?
- [x] Because they increase traffic congestion and urban sprawl.
- [ ] Because they reduce the number of residential areas.
- [ ] Because they lead to the decline of city centers.
- [ ] Because they lower property values.
> **Explanation:** Bedroom communities pose a challenge for sustainable urban planning because they often lead to increased traffic congestion from commuting and contribute to urban sprawl, requiring comprehensive planning efforts to address these issues.
Thank you for delving into the concept of bedroom communities and testing your knowledge with our quiz. Continue exploring urban and suburban dynamics for a better understanding of residential patterns!
