Which term describes an area located immediately outside a city or town with lower population density?

• A. Rural
• B. Food Desert
• C. Urban
• D. Suburban

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how population density and location relate to the city. An area just outside a city that has lower population density than the urban core is described as suburban. Suburban regions are residential zones that sit beyond the city center, offering more space and a quieter environment while still staying within commuting distance to urban jobs and amenities.

Rural would be farther from the city with even lower density and more open land. Urban describes the dense, core city area. A food desert isn’t about density—it’s about limited access to groceries, which can occur in various density contexts. So the term that fits is suburban.