A suburban area is a lower density area that primarily consists of residential areas, which may include commercial and mixed-use areas. Suburban areas are generally located outside of the city center and are more populated than rural communities but less crowded and populated compared to urban areas. They can exist either as part of a larger city/urban area or as a separate political entity. In most English-speaking countries, suburban areas are defined in contrast to central or inner city areas. However, in Australian English and South African English, the term "suburb" has become largely synonymous with what is called a "neighborhood" in the US, and the term encompasses inner city areas. Suburban areas are also closer to the main city center or urban area.
Suburban residents are the most likely to have adequate health insurance and benefit from longer life expectancy, more access to health care, and higher quality of care. People living in suburban areas often benefit from access to and choices for nutritious food, spaces for physical activity and recreation, utilities such as water and sewer, health and dental care, transportation, and even digital telecommunications.
It is important to note that there is no statistical definition of suburban, and it is more of how a place feels connected to a big city and the general land use pattern. Some suburban areas will feel quite urban while other suburban areas may seem rural.
