A suburban area is a go-to destination for 27% of citizens of the US, while 12% opt for a small town. However, according to the US Census Bureau, approximately 80% of Americans live in urban areas. Do you belong to this group but have been thinking about moving to the suburbs? If so, why haven’t you done it yet?
Maybe you prefer the amenities of a metropolis and don’t want to give up on the dynamic and vibrant lifestyle? Perhaps you think a big city can provide you with a plethora of job opportunities, chances to meet new people, and cultural events? If you have children, your main motivators are probably good schooling and a safe and healthy environment.
However, if you’re looking for a change – a bigger house, more space, and a large backyard, perhaps it’s time to consider changing your current address. Relocation to the suburbia can be the fulfillment of all your dreams and expectations, but keep in mind that every change causes additional expenses, adjustments, and lots of work.
If your current costs of living are high and you feel like you’re overpaying for bills, taxes, and monthly purchases, picking the perfect location for you and your family could bring you a slower pace of life and better organized daily routine. We’ll try to give you a broader picture of the advantages and drawbacks of living in the city as well in the burbs.
Moving to the Suburbs Can Affect Your Desire to Shop Too Much
City-dwellers are used to all types of services and amenities that come with the location. Relocating to a less densely populated area, however, can greatly affect a person’s habits and lifestyle. It’s widely known that having a car is mandatory if you live in the suburbs. That means that, if you’re used to commuting by public transportation, it won’t help you much here. Besides, all the amenities will likely be further away, sometimes even several miles. So think about your daily errands, grocery shopping, and other responsibilities when deciding whether you should get auto transport services.
If you’re planning to move to the suburbia, here are several things you should remember:
- The chances of having to drive your car to the nearest grocery store will be very high
- Local stores usually don’t have all the brands you’ve used to seeing in the city
- There may not be a gym or a club in the vicinity, or they might not be as well-equipped
- There isn’t a wide choice of different restaurants, bars, and cafes
- Delivery may cost more than in the urban areas
Suburbs vs. the City
Cities generally have elaborate systems for transportation, housing, utilities, sanitation, land use, and communication. Because of their density, the interaction between citizens, as well as between businesses and government organizations, is effortless.
All in all, cities are typically well-organized, functional, and provide all kinds of services 24/7/365. When it comes to peripheral areas, things aren’t so perfect. Besides not having so many stores, restaurants, hospitals, museums, and schools, these areas can’t provide you with the feeling of “everything everywhere for everyone.”
Still, there are some pretty good reasons why so many people choose communities away from the city center as their new homes. Let’s take a look at what you can expect and what you should do if you’re thinking about trading the convenience of a vast metropolis for the coziness of a suburban neighborhood.
The Cost of Living in the Suburbs – Pros and Cons
If you need a larger house with an ample amount of space, a suburban home can fulfill your expectations. Whether you have one or three children, pets, or need an additional bathroom or room for guests, don’t worry. There’s a big chance you’ll get to buy a spacious house with a sizable yard for about the same sum you would be paying for a tiny apartment in the Big Apple, for instance.
If you go for a bigger house, don’t forget about the additional furniture and decor. Also, taxes and bills can be higher, but that’s a game of give-and-take. If you choose the right size for you and your family, the additional expenses shouldn’t give you a headache.
A New House Will Satisfy All Your Requirements
You might want to have an at-home office where you could work without being bothered, or perhaps your kids want to have their own rooms. A spacious home can meet all your demands. Needless to say, every family member can enjoy their own space, and inviting friends shouldn’t pose a problem anymore.
You Can Have the Lifestyle You Want and Need
The hustle and bustle of the downtown may cause too much stress and frustration in your daily planning. Crowded streets, traffic jams, shopping mania are just fragments of a hectic lifestyle that makes you tired and lifeless. Living away from the center could be the key to solving all your problems. Easygoing moments might be reason enough to move outside the metropolis.
Choose a Highly-Ranked School District
Sometimes, the primary criterion when choosing your new area is the quality of schools. That means you should do some research and find the right educational institution for your kids. Ask around for advice, email the schools, read reviews, and find a school that suits your child’s interests and abilities the most. Going to the school to meet the staff and teachers in person won’t hurt either. Let your gut be the final judge. That’s the best way to help kids settle into a new school.
What About Toddlers?
In case your juniors are still too young for school, or if there is no preschool near your home, you should have a backup plan figured out on time. Some neighborhoods have appropriate childcare options, such as a daycare center or a large community of stay-at-home parents. If you have a toddler who still can’t be left alone for longer periods, don’t rush to hire moving services and buy new furniture before you resolve the question about your toddler’s care.
Commute Time – Think About Your Work
Many people forget to think about their current job in the city center and the distance between the future home and the workplace. Spending too much time commuting every day can be frustrating and disappointing. To avoid traveling for over an hour to work and back every day, calculate how much time are you going to spend in your car or public transport.
Entertainment Options After Working Hours
Compared to a variety of entertainment opportunities in the city, suburban options are somewhat limited and involve community gatherings and outdoor activities. If you’re used to a vibrant downtown, being in a less populated area can be monotonous. However, if you choose a suburb that’s not too secluded and find friends with similar interests, you may find the tranquil surroundings and peaceful lifestyle satisfying.
Social Life and Bonding with Neighbors
Your relationships can become more fulfilling and inspiring after exchanging the downtown area for a more secluded one. In these places, locals tend to be very friendly and usually gather in tight-knit communities. If you like to be tucked in and feel safe in your environment, then a suburban house is perfect for you. Just make sure to find the right way to meet new neighbors and build strong relationships with them.
It’s Safer to Live in a Suburb
A low crime rate is one of the factors that shouldn’t be ignored when choosing a suburban environment. Is there anything more important than the ability to go for a walk in the evening or not be worried about your children’s nights out? Feeling safe gives you the possibility to live your life freely and incorporate all pastime activities in your schedule.
Spending Every Day in Nature for Free
A lot of people say that relocation to the suburbia improved the quality of their lives due to the vast green spaces and less polluted air. The possibility of spending every free moment outside with your kids, friends, or pets can significantly affect your mental health and overall mood. Also, being active will make you happier and healthier.
Why Are the Suburbs Popular Options Among Millennials?
Millennials, also known as Gen Y, are people born between 1981 and 1996, and it is not uncommon to hear that their generation is “getting older.” According to the US Census Bureau data, some 27,000 millennials have left big cities, such as San Francisco, Houston, and even New York in 2018 alone. They are searching for a better quality of life, which inherently includes fewer expenses.
It can be surprising to see this generation choosing suburban locations with the goal of buying a luxury home. Still, there’s one fact that shouldn’t be forgotten – millennials are married people now, with kids, pets, and higher salaries. Their lifestyle is not the same as it was ten years ago, and they’ve realized all the advantages of suburban areas – more comfort, more space, and a slower pace of life, only for slightly higher or even the same monthly costs as in the cities.
Is the Growth of Suburbs Just a Phase?
Moving to the suburbs is a trend that has been growing for years. Millennials have been leaning toward less populated areas, leaving bigger cities behind. The truth is, suburban life provides more amenities to families with kids and those who prefer comfort and peace. However, there’s no correct answer to whether these massive migrations from cities will continue in the future to the same extent. The popularity of suburban areas may be temporary and might slow down soon. As long as these places can provide more comfort and space, fewer expenses, and overall better quality of life, finding a dream home here won’t be that hard.
