Urban decay refers to the deterioration or decline of physical infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities within a city. It often occurs due to factors such as deindustrialization, population loss, poverty concentration, and neglect.
Related terms
Gentrification: Gentrification is the process where wealthier individuals move into lower-income neighborhoods and renovate properties, leading to increased property values but also displacement of existing residents.
Suburbanization: Suburbanization refers to the outward expansion of residential areas from central cities into suburbs.
Sprawl: Urban sprawl is characterized by low-density development spreading outwards from urban centers into rural areas. It often leads to automobile dependency and inefficient land use.