How did the lack of railroads affect where people lived in cities?

The lack of railroads significantly influenced urban development by limiting accessibility and transportation options. Without rail infrastructure, cities tended to grow around waterways or roads, making areas with natural transportation routes more desirable for settlement. This often resulted in densely populated city centers, while outlying areas remained less developed and accessible only by foot or horse-drawn vehicles. Consequently, the distribution of resources and services was heavily concentrated in these central areas, shaping social and economic dynamics within cities.