What term describes areas of a city that have been abandoned and fallen into disrepair?

The term that describes areas of a city that have been abandoned and fallen into disrepair is urban decay. This phenomenon occurs when buildings and infrastructure deteriorate due to neglect, economic decline, or changes in the urban environment. Urban decay is often characterized by vacant properties, overgrown lots, and a general sense of decline in the quality of life in the affected areas.

Understanding urban decay is crucial in the context of urbanization as it highlights the challenges that many cities face, such as economic shifts, population changes, and the impacts of policies or lack thereof on city management. Cities experiencing urban decay often require significant revitalization efforts to redevelop and improve these areas, making it a critical point of study for urban planners and policymakers.

In contrast, urban sprawl refers to the expansion of a city into surrounding areas, suburban expansion focuses on growth outside the urban core typically involving residential development, and city revitalization pertains to efforts aimed at restoring and improving urban areas, which directly counters the effects of urban decay. This distinction underscores the importance of understanding these terms within the broader context of urban development and management.