What is the term for when people live in suburbs but work in cities?

The correct term for when people live in suburbs but work in cities is "metropolitan commute." This concept highlights the trend of individuals residing in suburban areas and traveling to urban centers for employment. Such commuting patterns have become increasingly common as cities grow and suburban areas expand, allowing people to enjoy a different lifestyle while still benefiting from city job markets.

Suburban commutes often involve longer travel times and can contribute to traffic congestion, as more individuals use cars or public transport to reach their workplaces in cities. This pattern reflects broader demographic and economic trends where urban areas provide employment opportunities and suburban living offers more affordable housing, space, and often a different quality of life.

The concept of urban sprawl refers to the spread of city populations into surrounding rural or undeveloped areas. While this can contribute to commuting patterns, it does not specifically address the living versus working scenario. Suburban sprawl, similarly, emphasizes the expansion of suburbia itself without inherently focusing on the working relationships between suburban residents and urban employment. Rural migration pertains to the movement of people from urban to rural areas, which does not reflect the suburban living and city working dynamic.