Burgess classified the city into five broad zones (Figure 2):
1. The central business district (CBD): the focus for urban activity and the confluence of the
city’s transportation infrastructures
2. The zone of transition: generally a manufacturing district with some residential dwellings
3. The zone of factories and working men’s homes: this zone was characterized by a
predominantly working class population living in older houses and areas that were generally
lacking in amenities
4. The residential zone: this band comprised newer and more spacious housing for the middle
classes
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5. The outer commuter zone: this land use ring was dominated by better quality housing for
upper class residents and boasted an environment of higher amenity