The Bottom Line: There’s Usually A Trade-Off Of Some Kind – You can benefit from suburban or urban living. What it really boils down to is what you are or aren’t willing to give up. In the following writing we’ll go over the pros and cons of living in the city, and living in the suburbs. Different solutions will be more or less favorable to different situations, so whatever you choose, look into everything you can beforehand.
City Living: Pros
There is generally more opportunity in the city. More employers are around, more entertainment options exist, world-famous locales can be visited regularly, and the “buzz” of excitement is relatively constant. There’s always something to do somewhere. A certain rhythm comes with the city, and it’s unmistakable.
There are going to be unique living opportunities you might want to consider as well.High-rise apartments in skyscrapers, condominiums, luxury apartments—there are quite a few options. Plus, you’ll be able to get certain opportunities uniquely available owing to a variety of choices. In the suburbs, your options may not be so diverse.
If you’re savvy about how you find a new home, you might even be able to get all your belongings carted from one property to the other without having to pay a dime; and even cutting out the lion’s share of the heavy lifting. It’s possible to move free with UMoveFree, a site where there are ample Texas apartments for rent. Options like this exist in many states.
City Living: Cons
Generally, urban areas are subject to increased crime. Traffic can be more dangerous as well, owing to how much more there is. Air pollution is hard to escape when you’re at the center of it all. Leaving the city can be difficult, too; unless you do it at the right time. If you want to just jaunt over the horizon, it may require treading water in traffic for many hours.
All that is in addition to costs both directly and collaterally. Directly, you’ll be taxed more, common goods and services will be more expensive, rent will be higher, property costs will be higher, and the list goes on. Indirectly, you’ll be subject to collateral impact from crime, or from law enforcement. Also, you’re in close quarters with more people; getting sick is easier. That’s generally costly.
Suburban Living: Pros
If you’re living the suburban life you can build equity in the right property as your neighborhood’s value continues to mature over time. You’ll have less crime to deal with, and prices where you are likely won’t be as high as they will be at the center of a big city. Traffic isn’t likely going to be as bad, and everything will generally be more safe.
This can differ per community, of course; so if you’re going the suburban route, it would be wise for you to carefully consider the specific community you decide to call home. Generally, though, good suburban homes are in the center of communities full of hard-working people. You can expect access to better schools, and the environment to be cleaner generally.
Suburban Living: Cons
You’re going to be far from the “action” in the city. Likely there will be some level of commute involved as well. Whether you’re working toward the center of the city, or on the other side of town, you’ll in all likelihood have to contend with traffic, too.
This can be dangerous; especially in traditionally gridlocked cities. Still, some suburban communities have nearby trains—that’s the case for Woodstock, a suburb of Chicago about an hour’s drive (traffic notwithstanding) north. There’s a train that goes right to the heart of Chicago from there.
Additionally, you’ve got to stay in one place for many years to mature your equity investment. Sometimes neighborhoods decline over time. There can be cases where property prices in certain communities are a bit outside your pay range as well—but you’re likely going to have more options through a suburban strategy than otherwise.
Making The Most Relevant Choice
There’s a balance to either suburban or city life. What it all boils down to is what you need, what you want, what you can afford, and what you can sustain. Crunch the numbers on gas as well as vehicular wear-and-tear for a commute.
Familiarize yourself with crime statistics and pricing for inner-city considerations. Take your time, and know your options. Provided you keep this mindset during the process, you’ll find the best deal for you and your family.
