Which term describes the outskirts of a town or city primarily used for housing?

The term that describes the outskirts of a town or city primarily used for housing is "suburbs." Suburbs are residential areas situated on the edge of urban centers, typically characterized by lower population density compared to the city core. They are often designed to accommodate single-family homes and are linked to the urban area by road networks, making them desirable for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the city's amenities.

In contrast, exurbs refer to areas beyond the suburbs that can be more rural in nature and may not develop the same level of infrastructure. Urban areas, on the other hand, encompass the densely populated centers of cities and towns where business and commerce thrive. Rural areas denote regions that are considerably less populated, often characterized by agricultural land and open spaces, making them distinct from suburban environments. Understanding these distinctions is fundamental when discussing settlement patterns and urbanization.