Why do tornadoes only hit the outside of cities and towns?

Question

it seems like they dont hit the city but they go on the outside of the city. why?

is it because of the tall buildings?

Answer 1

Because the surface area outside of a city is WAY BIGGER than the city itself. It's just probability - why is it harder to hit a bullseye on a dart board than the board itself? Same concept.

My buddy was at a basketball game in the Georgia Dome this past spring when a Tornado hit downtown Atlanta. This event was all over the news - especially CNN.

Answer 2

No, because that's where the mobile homes are.  As a matter of fact that's where I am.   LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!

Answer 3

You just haven't seen or remember all the tornadoes that have hit commerce regions of cities.  

Research: Ft. Worth tornado of 2000, Huntsville tornado of 1989, Wichita Falls tornado of 1979, Lubbock tornado of 1970, St. Louis tornado of 1959, Waco tornado of 1953

You are correct in saying that it's rare for one to hit downtown regions... but as the 1st answerer stated, downtowns only encompass a tiny area of the entire city limits.