It really depends on the species of bamboo, and where you plant it. Some bamboo species grow with rhizomes, so once it's established, good luck getting rid of it. IIRC it's golden bamboo that is a problem in the south. But it doesn't grow nearly as fast as people think; it's not kudzu. And it really needs full sun, so it doesn't get established unless it's away from large trees.

There are a few spots on my commute that have been taken over by bamboo. They're pretty isolated from each other. If I was going to guess, I'd say that both were planted intentionally to control erosion.