What do you call a modern residential area situated on the outskirts of a settlement?

The term that best describes a modern residential area located on the outskirts of a settlement is "suburb." Suburbs are typically residential areas that lie on the periphery of a city or town, often characterized by lower population density compared to urban centers. They offer a mix of housing, parks, and some commercial services, catering to those who work in the city but prefer a quieter, more spacious living environment.

In contrast, a "new housing zone" generally refers to recent developments within various contexts and doesn't specifically denote the characteristic of being on the outskirts of an existing settlement. A "rural area" typically refers to regions that are less populated and further away from urban settings, while "urban area" is used to describe densely populated city environments. Thus, the specific, well-defined term for modern residential areas on the outskirts is best captured by "suburb."