The concept of cities having an ever-expanding periphery is nothing new - cities have been growing in size for centuries. When a city reaches its geographical limit, it typically expands in various directions - into the countryside, along the coast, and even into other countries. With this growth comes both positive and negative consequences, but there are some definite advantages to why cities grow in the periphery.

First and foremost is the increase in job opportunities. As cities expand, so do their industries and businesses. This means new sources of employment for not only those living in the city, but also those living in the further reaches of the periphery. It also leads to increased investment from companies, which boosts the economy and creates even more economic opportunities.

The addition of a city’s periphery also brings with it an increase in needed services such as police, fire, and emergency medical facilities, as well as social services like schools, libraries, parks, and recreational facilities. This added infrastructure helps to improve the quality of life for all citizens, and makes the city a much more welcoming place to live.

The suburbs and the countryside surrounding the city also benefit in a big way. This influx of people brings with it increased investment, which helps to modernize these rural areas. This causes economic growth as well as an increased demand for goods and services. It also increases taxes, which are funneled back into these communities and can often be used to invest in public works that benefit everyone.

Putting it simply, cities expand into their peripheries to accommodate the surge in population and to offer the increased services that come with such growth. This growth is beneficial to both those residing directly in the city, as well as those living in the more rural aspects of the periphery. Job opportunities increase, services improve, and local economies gain much needed investments. These are all positive reasons why cities continue to expand and why do cities grow in the periphery.