Suburban contexts include an array of commercial and residential uses, low to medium densities, medium to large building setbacks (to accommodate off-street parking), and large block sizes. Suburban areas are usually connected to urban areas. Buildings tend to be single story or low-rise structures, with off-street parking in commercial areas. Residential areas are populated by mostly single-family (with some multifamily) housing and some neighborhood parks. Drivers have higher speed expectations than the urban contexts, but lower speed expectations than the rural contexts. Suburban areas are generally short sections, approximately 1 – 3 miles in length, and transition between rural and urban contexts. The suburban context may be more applicable in areas of anticipated future growth that eventually will become an urban context based on future land-use expectations within the expected design life of the facility. Examples of typical suburban areas are shown below.

Typical characteristics are:

The term “town centers” refers to areas within a town or city where commercial, social, and civic activities are concentrated. Town centers typically feature shops, restaurants, offices, and public spaces.