What term describes developments that were driven by speculation with an emphasis on equality?

The term that best describes developments driven by speculation with an emphasis on equality is "speculators town." This term refers to developments that were often created by investors who aimed to profit from the land but also incorporated elements of egalitarianism in their planning and organization. These towns typically emerged in anticipation of future growth and development, aligning with the speculative nature of real estate decisions where investors would purchase large swathes of land with the hope that they would appreciate in value.

The other terms do not encapsulate the same dynamic of speculation combined with a focus on equality. Colonial settlements refer to established communities during the colonization period, which often had different social hierarchies and were more about survival and agriculture than speculation. A Puritan village reflects a specific historical and cultural context focused on religious practices and community morals rather than a speculative drive. Likewise, a gridiron community typically refers to the layout of a town based on a grid pattern, which may not inherently indicate the motives of speculation or social equality. Thus, “speculators town” is the most fitting term for the context provided.