No matter if you are moving long-distance or simply to a different part of town, understanding the difference between city life and the suburbs is a key component to any move. When choosing between the suburbs and the city, there are many pros and cons to each that may separately fulfill different aspects of your life. Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions that you can make as an adult and requires careful consideration. Our list of things to consider when deciding between the suburbs and the city will help make the choice that much clearer!
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in the city versus the cost of living in the suburbs can be drastically different. Living in the city is almost always more costly due to a variety of factors, including, the limited supply of housing options. This causes rent to be much less affordable than it would be in the suburbs. While this is one of the downsides of deciding to live in the city, the work that is found in those areas does tend to be more lucrative and pay well. There are also more nightlife and dining benefits to living in the heart of a city. With inflation and rising costs of living in general, this is a factor that requires great consideration when deciding where to reside!
- Transportation: When it comes to public transportation, the city is the clear winner with its accessibility and proximity to different methods of transit. While you may potentially end up spending more on rent, you will also save money on gas and transportation. Because most jobs are located in the city, this does present an advantage for those who are located within it. Those who reside in the suburbs will require access to their own methods of transportation which also means spending money on gas, tolls, and maintenance. There are cities within the US that have public transportation points from the suburbs to the city, but more often than not, a car is required leave the suburbs. With remote learning and remote work this consideration may not be as much of a deal breaker, but it is still an important topic to consider when moving to a new area.
- Renting VS Owning: The housing market is booming and competing to purchase a home is more challenging than ever. If you and your household are looking to purchase a home, you may have better luck finding affordable housing in the suburbs. With more land available as well as lower populations, there is usually a much higher number of houses to explore in the suburban area. If you are considering renting a space as well, the city will have the more expensive options available. “Forbes reports that the average rent in a U.S. city is $1,848 per month. In the suburbs, rent drops to $1,269 per month – $578 less per month than city living.” While the city does allow you proximity to the livelier options available in a new area, the suburbs will have the more affordable living options available.
- Activities: The nightlife and available activities can be vastly different when it comes to city life versus suburban living. The heart of the city will always have the best options available when it comes to nightlife, bars, and restaurants. With the suburbs, it has a much more family friendly atmosphere and focuses more on group activities, coffee shops, and boutiques. Both areas can provide a great time for different kinds of households. When moving to a new area, it is important to consider the types of shops and activities you would like to be surrounded with. For those who live in the city, a fun filled night may be within walking distance, a block away. Whereas, living in the suburbs it may take a bit longer of a journey to get to the excitement.
No matter what decision you make, we hope that our guide helps you consider the important things that will lead you down the right path.