Part of the reason stems from the fact that defining what constitutes urban is somewhat arbitrary. Countries around the world have generated a plethora of definitions based on a variety of urban characteristics. Though it seems simple enough, distinguishing cities from rural areas is not always that easy. This chapter explores the evolution of cities, why cities are where they are, and how the geography of cities affects the way urbanites live. In California, America’s most urban state, almost 95% of its people live in a city. The convenience and economic benefits of city life have led nearly 8 in 10 Americans to live in urban areas. Reduced costs associated with transportation, and the ability to share expenses for infrastructure creates what is known as economies of agglomeration, which is the fundamental reason for cities. Convenience has economic consequences, as well. Cities are convenient places for people to live, work, and play. The clustering of activities within a small space is called agglomeration, and it reduces the friction of distance for thousands of daily activities. Living outside a city is inconvenient because rural areas lack access to the numerous amenities found in cities. Many people say they do not like the city, with its noise, pollution, crowds, and crime, but living outside the city has its challenges as well. Must of us are “city people,” whether we like it or not.
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