What characterizes urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl is characterized by the expansion of a metropolitan area into surrounding rural land, often leading to the development of residential neighborhoods that are distinctly separated from commercial activities. This expansion typically results in low-density housing, with homes being built far from workplaces, shopping areas, and services. Such residential areas often lack nearby retail options, requiring residents to travel greater distances for everyday needs, which is reflected in the description of residential neighborhoods without retail activities.

This stands in contrast to the other choices, which focus on aspects like mixed-use developments, which are more common in urban settings with higher density where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist. Strictly commercial zones emphasize businesses and shopping areas without the accompanying residential elements typical of sprawl. Additionally, dense public transportation networks are generally more characteristic of urban centers designed to accommodate higher densities and reduce reliance on personal vehicles, which is not a feature of sprawling suburban developments.