When trying to find a new place to live, you might have two options: the city or the suburbs. Typically, people move from one to the other, although you may decide to transfer from one city or suburb to the next.
Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s imperative to understand everything to make an informed decision. While your personal preference also plays a part, here are the top reasons to move to the city or suburb.
Pros and Cons of City Life
In the United States, there’s a bit of an ebb and flow of people moving to and from big cities. According to data, the migration from cities to the suburbs has slowed in recent years, but there’s definitely a trend of a return to suburban life. Having said that, there are some strong arguments for choosing the city.
Pro: Better Public Transportation
Because cities are more densely packed, it’s imperative to have systems for moving many people from one point to another. Buses, trains, subways, and monorails are all viable options. Some cities have vibrant public transit that can rival owning a car. This way, you can get around more easily without paying all the costs of car ownership.
Con: Harder to Find Parking
If you do have a car, one of the biggest challenges of living in a city is finding parking for your vehicle. Street parking is always in short supply, and you may not be able to afford monthly parking in a lot. Plus, if you drive anywhere in the city, you still have the same problem.
Pro: More Job Opportunities
Many businesses choose to have their offices in a big city, which brings a wide variety of secondary businesses. Examples can include restaurants, laundromats, and many other service-based companies.
So, if you’re looking for gainful employment, there are likely many more options in a city than in the suburbs, where job openings may be slim. Although remote work is becoming more prevalent, city life still gives you access to in-person employment.
Con: Higher Cost of Living
Because demand for city living is still high, property values are far higher than in suburban or rural areas. So, everything from homeownership to apartment rentals is costlier than it would be in a different area.
Pros and Cons of Suburb Living
Moving to the suburbs was part of the American Dream for a long time. There are benefits to living this way, but the trade-offs are worth considering.
Pro: Quieter Neighborhoods
Businesses in major cities often remain open late into the night, and pedestrian traffic is constant. In the suburbs, however, entire neighborhoods are quiet after dark, giving the entire area a quieter vibe.
Con: Commute to Work
If you live in the suburbs and work in the city, you might deal with traffic and long commute times.
Pro: Less Pollution
With so many people and vehicles in the city, air quality can be problematic. The air quality is often a lot better since the suburbs are usually more open and have more trees.
Con: Fewer Amenities
When living in a city, you can do almost anything as there are a variety of amenities nearby. In the suburbs, you may have to spend about five to 10 minutes just getting out of your neighborhood to find anything. If convenience is a major selling point, the suburbs might not always offer it.
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