Definition of "subtopia"

In the 1890s and in the early years of the present century there was considerable building development in the area around Sanderstead, Warlingham and Oxted, where large villas were springing up. East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells and Uckfield were growing fast, as was that loosely knit "subtopia"—neither town, village nor country—which is known collectively as Crowborough.

1960 November, H. P. White, “The evolution of train services on the Southern's Oxted line”, in Trains Illustrated, page 662

Their bland don't-mind-me-meekness is all the more offensive for it, resulting in an energy vampire form of architecture. It's subtopia writ large if anything.

2023 September 23, Travis Elborough, “Traces of utopia”, in FT Weekend, House & Home, page 1