City Life or the Suburbs? What's Right for You?

If you’re thinking of buying a new home and you’re unsure about where you want to buy, it’s a good idea to think about the differences between living in the city and living in the suburbs. In terms of defining the difference between The Big City and Suburbia, suburban settings tend to be primarily residential, while urban locales offer a mix of residences and buildings used for other purposes – everything from offices to shopping to cultural attractions and transportation hubs like airports and train stations.

Every home buyer is looking for something different and unique to his or her needs. Solitude versus bustle? Autonomy versus accessibility? Here are just a few considerations if you’re thinking of buying a new home:

Population density

Urban areas play home to a significantly larger number of people than the suburbs. Because buildings tend to be close together, single-family homes are not as common – at least, not with a lot of attached property. However, there are plenty of opportunities to own condos, townhomes, or apartments, some of which do have a small, attached yard. Chances are, though, that you might be rubbing elbows at fairly close range with the neighbors.

On the other hand, the suburbs offer a quieter lifestyle with single-family homes being more common. Expect more lawns and foliage as well as quieter streets.

Commute

One of the most compelling draws of an urban lifestyle can be proximity to work. While suburban settings tend to be located farther out from office buildings housing major corporations, living in the city might mean a shorter commute – a bus ride, bike ride, or even a walk to where you work.

Living in the suburbs can mean a longer commute and a larger expenditure on gas. Some communities offer train service into the city, which can cut down on wasted time in the car on both ends of the work day. Be sure to learn about your options before you decide to buy a home.

Services

In the city, everything from groceries to gas tends to be a little more expensive than in the suburbs. This is due partially to the lack of “big box” stores in more congested urban settings, and also because of the generally higher cost of living. However, the range of funky markets, niche boutiques, and cultural opportunities can make city life very attractive to some people.

In the suburbs, you might have better accessibility to large chain stores, but could lose out on proximity to museums, theater, and other urban amenities. It’s a balancing act; you need to determine which amenities are most important for you.

Some communities offer the best of both worlds in terms of accessibility to culture attractions such as restaurants, museums, and the theater as well as progressive transportation options such as mass transit and ride-share opportunities. It’s important to know the “best fit” for your lifestyle and to research your options. Your real estate agent can help you identify your priorities and lead you to the setting that best fits your lifestyle.