What often characterizes areas undergoing urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl is primarily characterized by the expansion of urban developments into surrounding rural or natural areas. This phenomenon often includes the growth of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces that progressively encroach upon landscapes that were previously undeveloped. This expansion typically leads to a suburbanization trend, where previously untouched land is transformed to accommodate the needs of a growing urban population, thus impacting ecosystems and altering natural habitats.

This expansion is often prompted by factors such as population growth, the search for affordable housing, and the desire for larger living spaces away from densely populated urban centers. As more people migrate to these newly developed areas, the landscape shifts, increasing the demand for infrastructure and amenities which further encourages this sprawl.

In contrast, the other options represent characteristics that are generally not associated with urban sprawl. Higher density living is more typical of urbanized areas that focus on compact development rather than the spread of low-density residential neighborhoods. Preservation of historical sites and reduction of transportation options are not primary focal points in areas experiencing urban sprawl; in fact, sprawl often leads to the opposite—less preservation of local heritage and greater reliance on personal vehicles due to dispersed developments that require greater travel distances.