Choosing whether to live in the city or the suburbs is a big decision. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, and some aspects will appeal to some while deterring others.
If you’re trying to decide which choice is right for your life, consider these pros and cons of city living versus suburb living.
The Benefits of City Living
One of the main benefits of city living is the convenience of it all. Cities offer more job opportunities with the convenience of having no commute. Many cities are considered “walking cities,” and very few people have their own cars.
Another convenient feature of city living is that urban areas have more of a rental culture. In other words, if buying a home isn’t right for you, it’s easier to find a place to rent. If you don’t like where you live this year, you can find a new place to rent with UMoveFree help without worrying about selling a home.
Finally, cities always have something for you to do and experience. From dining to entertainment, you’ll never be bored when living in a city.
The Disadvantages of City Living
The primary issue with living in a city is the higher cost of living; you can expect to pay more money for less space. While there are many cities with a lower cost of living, like Austin, others, like New York, are incredibly expensive.
Many people dislike the sense of being surrounded by other people without space to call their own. Cities are louder and typically have higher crime rates than the suburbs.
The Benefits of Suburb Living
One of the main reasons people move to the suburbs is to get more space. Living in the burbs typically means getting a proper yard with room to roam, with similar monthly costs as living in the city.
Many people make the transition to suburban living when they’re done with city life or growing their family. Suburbs tend to be designed with families in mind, offering higher-quality schools and programming to the middle class. That’s not to say that you can’t thrive with a family in the city or that you need one to move to the suburbs, but it’s a factor worthy of consideration.
Life in the suburbs also tends to be slower-paced and more relaxed— a nice change from the busy city.
The Disadvantages of Suburb Living
Living in the suburbs can make things inconvenient. Moving away from the city typically means having to commute, but that’s changed for many business professionals since the pandemic. Still, having a vehicle is a must, and amenities aren’t as close as they are in urban settings.
While many people enjoy a tight-knit community, moving to the suburbs creates a small-town feel which often results in neighborhood politics and drama.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing the city or the suburbs ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and preferences. What works in this stage of your life may not work forever. On the plus side, nothing is permanent; you can always change your mind and your location at some point.
