To many, sprawl is attractive. It means cheaper land, privacy, country living, and an escape from the problems associated with cities. But it also gobbles up open land and proves costly for cities and towns - and ultimately, taxpayers. Residential sprawl is often followed by more sprawl. After sprawl neighborhoods are built, convenience stores, strip malls and office parks pop up to serve the new residents.
Some residents react by moving farther out into rural areas, continuing the cycle.
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