What is the term for the movement of people from rural to urban areas?

The term that specifically refers to the movement of people from rural to urban areas is known as urbanization. Urbanization encompasses the growth of cities as people leave rural areas in search of better economic opportunities, improved living conditions, and access to services like education and healthcare. This process is a significant aspect of demographic change in many countries, especially those undergoing industrialization.

While urban migration might seem relevant, it's a more general term that does not specifically capture the phenomenon of transitioning from rural to urban life. Suburbanization pertains to the movement of populations from cities to the suburbs, typically in the context of urban sprawl. Rural flight refers to a demographic trend where individuals leave rural areas often due to economic or social pressures, but it does not specifically emphasize the movement into urban centers. Urbanization, on the other hand, directly addresses the significant societal shift towards cities as focal points of population growth and economic activity.