What is a primary urban outcome of adopting mixed-use zoning in city centers?

• A. Increased car reliance
• B. Isolation of residential areas
• C. Decreased street life
• D. Reduced car dependency through walkable, diverse, compact neighborhoods

Answer: (D)

Mixing residential, retail, and workplaces in close proximity in city centers creates a walkable, compact environment. Because daily needs are nearby, people can complete trips on foot or by transit, which reduces the need to rely on cars. This setup also supports a lively street life, with people lingering along sidewalks and in storefronts as different uses attract activity across the day. In contrast, options like higher car reliance, isolated residential areas, or declining street life are more typical of single-use, auto-oriented development. Therefore, the primary urban outcome is reduced car dependency through walkable, diverse, compact neighborhoods.