Suburbs and Exurbs – Which Location Is for You?
Updated December 2025
Many people think housing falls into three categories – city (urban), suburbs and “the country” (rural). City and country living are pretty simple to identify, so that means that everything else in the middle is the suburbs, right? Well… no, not exactly.
The suburbs are residential areas that sprung up on the outskirts of urban areas right outside of cities in the 1950’s through the 1970’s. During this time, many more families bought cars (or even two cars), allowing the wage earners to commute into the cities to work while purchasing homes outside of the city. Lower housing costs in the suburbs allowed commuters to purchase bigger homes on larger tracts of land — a lifestyle many parents felt was ideal for raising children.
As new home construction blossomed outside of the cities, businesses such as retail stores, restaurants, banks, auto dealerships and other modern necessities moved to the suburbs as well. Over time, the residential sprawl became its own self-sustaining community. Today, many suburbs feature
- public transportation
- shopping and dining options
- planned communities
- employment opportunities
But as the suburbs expanded, another outer ring began to form — the exurbs.
What Exactly Is an Exurb?
Loosely defined as semi-rural housing areas located outside of the suburbs, exurbs (extra-urban areas) are primarily residential communities that exist within approximately 250 miles of a major metropolitan area. They tend to feature planned communities and attract residents who enjoy more space, quieter surroundings, and a slower pace of life.
Exurb residents often have:
- higher levels of education
- comfortable incomes
- a desire to live “away from it all”
Because these areas are farther from urban centers, residents often rely heavily on cars. Some exurb communities may also lack municipal services such as sewer, water, or trash pickup, which means reliance on private wells, septic systems, or contracted waste services.
Other challenges may include:
- limited access to high-speed Internet (satellite-only in some areas)
- lack of food delivery options
- longer commutes
But despite these differences, exurban living offers the kind of space and privacy many buyers dream of — wide lots, quiet streets, and views of nature instead of neighboring rooftops.
Why Are Exurbs Growing?
The Southern states are seeing rapid exurban expansion, and our region is no exception. With high demand for new construction near major employment hubs like Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, and Statesboro, homebuilders are developing beautiful master-planned communities in exurban areas to meet buyer demand.
For many families, the reasons are clear:
- Lower cost of homeownership compared to high-demand suburban areas
- Bigger lots and more privacy
- Newer homes with modern energy-efficient features
- Room to grow for families, pets, and hobbies
If you’re considering a new construction home with more space and the peaceful feel of country living — while still being close to Savannah-area conveniences — an exurban community may be the perfect fit.
Have questions about life on the edge of a metro area? Our team at Ernest Homes is here to help. Drop us an email or call us at 912-660-9673 today!
