Definition
A bedroom community is a residential suburb primarily consisting of homes. It is typically located near a city or metropolitan area where most of its residents commute to work. These communities are known for offering a quieter, more family-friendly environment compared to the bustling urban centers they surround.
Characteristics:
- Predominantly residential buildings.
- Limited local employment opportunities.
- Residents commute to nearby cities for work.
- Often features benefits like less congestion, quieter neighborhoods, and more green spaces.
Advantages:
- Uncrowded schools.
- Less noise and air pollution compared to cities.
- Community-centric atmosphere.
Disadvantages:
- Higher property taxes.
- Dependence on automotive transport.
- Fewer amenities compared to urban areas.
Examples
- Palo Alto, CA: A bedroom community near Silicon Valley.
- Greenwich, CT: Close to New York City, while being a quiet, residential area.
- Reston, VA: Near Washington, D.C., offering residential living with close access to the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why do people choose to live in bedroom communities?
A: People often choose bedroom communities for the quieter, more spacious living environment, better schools, and more green spaces compared to urban centers.
Q: What are the primary disadvantages of living in a bedroom community?
A: The primary disadvantages include higher property taxes, a reliance on automobiles for commuting, and potentially fewer local amenities compared to living in a city.
Q: Do bedroom communities have local employment opportunities?
A: Generally, bedroom communities have limited employment opportunities. Most residents commute to nearby cities for work.
Q: Can property taxes in bedroom communities be higher than in urban areas?
A: Yes, property taxes can often be higher in bedroom communities compared to urban areas.
Q: What transportations options are common for residents of bedroom communities?
A: Residents often rely on personal vehicles, although some bedroom communities may offer public transportation options like trains or buses for commuting to the nearby city.
Related Terms
- Suburbs: Residential areas situated on the outskirts of a city.
- Commuter Town: A town where residents typically commute elsewhere for work.
- Urban Planning: The development and design of land use in an urban environment.
- Residential Zoning: Designation of land exclusively for residential buildings.
- Urban Sprawl: Uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural land.
Online Resources
- Investopedia on Real Estate
- Urban Land Institute
- American Planning Association
- National Association of Realtors
References
- “Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream” by Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and Jeff Speck.
- “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs.
- U.S. Census Bureau: reports on American Housing Survey.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Suburban Nation” by Andres 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.
Real Estate Basics: Bedroom Community Fundamentals Quiz
### What primarily characterizes a bedroom community?
- [ ] It has many large employers.
- [x] It is primarily residential with residents commuting for work.
- [ ] It is an industrial area.
- [ ] It consists mainly of commercial establishments.
> **Explanation:** A bedroom community is characterized by being primarily residential, with most of its residents commuting to nearby cities for work.
### What is a common benefit of living in a bedroom community?
- [ ] Higher employment opportunities locally.
- [ ] Unlimited shopping options.
- [x] Quieter, more spacious living environment.
- [ ] Lower property taxes.
> **Explanation:** Residents of bedroom communities enjoy quieter, more spacious living environments compared to the hustle and bustle of urban centers.
### Are local employment opportunities typically substantial in bedroom communities?
- [ ] Yes, there are usually many local jobs.
- [x] No, employment opportunities are limited.
- [ ] It depends on the region.
- [ ] They vary annually.
> **Explanation:** Bedroom communities typically have limited local employment opportunities, with residents commuting to nearby cities for work.
### What kind of zoning is typically predominant in a bedroom community?
- [ ] Commercial Zoning
- [ ] Industrial Zoning
- [x] Residential Zoning
- [ ] Mixed-Use Zoning
> **Explanation:** Residential zoning is predominant in bedroom communities, reflecting their main function as living areas rather than centers of commerce or industry.
### Which of the following is not a characteristic of a bedroom community?
- [ ] Limited local employment.
- [ ] Dependence on commuting.
- [ ] Predominantly residential buildings.
- [x] High concentration of industrial facilities.
> **Explanation:** A high concentration of industrial facilities is not characteristic of a bedroom community, which is primarily residential with limited local employment opportunities.
### Why might property taxes be higher in bedroom communities than in urban areas?
- [ ] They have less commercial tax revenue.
- [ ] To provide services like better schools and more green spaces.
- [x] Both A and B.
- [ ] Neither A nor B.
> **Explanation:** Property taxes can be higher to compensate for lower commercial tax revenue and to provide services that enhance the residential environment, such as better schools and more green spaces.
### What transportation method is most commonly used by residents of bedroom communities for commuting?
- [ ] Bicycles
- [ ] Airplanes
- [ ] Boats
- [x] Personal vehicles
> **Explanation:** Residents of bedroom communities most commonly use personal vehicles for commuting to nearby cities where they work.
### How do bedroom communities often affect the environment compared to urban centers?
- [x] They tend to have less noise and air pollution.
- [ ] They are more polluted.
- [ ] They have the same level of pollution.
- [ ] They are major sources of pollution.
> **Explanation:** Bedroom communities often have less noise and air pollution compared to urban centers due to their primarily residential, lower-density nature.
### Which of the following is a commonly voiced disadvantage of living in a bedroom community?
- [x] Reliance on automobiles.
- [ ] Proximity to industrial areas.
- [ ] High levels of noise.
- [ ] Abundance of local jobs.
> **Explanation:** One common disadvantage is the reliance on automobiles for commuting, which can be costly, time-consuming, and environmentally impactful.
### What urban planning issue can arise from extensive development of bedroom communities?
- [ ] Higher local employment rates.
- [ ] Decreased market demand for urban areas.
- [x] Urban sprawl and increased traffic congestion.
- [ ] Increase in industrial development.
> **Explanation:** Extensive development of bedroom communities can contribute to urban sprawl and increased traffic congestion as more residents commute to work in urban centers.
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