Every single year, millions of Americans move to another city or state. There are a lot of things you need to think about when moving to somewhere new. You need to think about the job market, the climate, the entertainment and potentially dozens of other things.
In addition to those, however, you also need to think about whether you want to live in the city or the suburbs. Each offers a unique experience, very different from one another. In an effort to help you choose which is the best choice, we are going to go over the pros and cons of living in the suburbs vs living in the city.
Pros and Cons of Living in the City
When it comes to the city, there are plenty of pros that come along with living in the big city. First and foremost, there is the convenience factor. You are very close to grocery stores, gyms, and likely your workplace. This limited commute will save you a lot of time and money.
Also, you are never too far from the action. Theaters, museums, parks, restaurants and bars are plentiful in the city and ensure that you always have something to do. Also, there are a lot of choices when it comes to where you decide to live. For example, according to UMoveFree, there are tons of apartments to choose from in large cities like Dallas, San Antonio and Houston.
Of course, there are also some cons and drawbacks to living in the city. Perhaps one of the biggest is the cost. Living in the city is expensive when it comes to real estate and cost of living. Not only that, but you will often get less space for your money. Also, it can be tough to find peace and quiet if you live in the heart of the big city. The constant hustle and bustle can be fun at times, but stressful and draining at others.
Pros and Cons of Living in the Suburbs
Many people prefer to live in the suburbs than the city. One of the biggest reasons why comes down to affordability. Even a larger home in the suburbs is often much more affordable to buy or rent than one in the city. Another pro of living in the suburbs is that it affords people a lot of peace and quiet.
People also love the sense of community that comes along with living in the suburbs. Everyone knows each other and that can be a very positive experience. On the other hand, there are some cons to living in the suburbs as well. The lack of convenience is certainly one that is mentioned a lot. In the suburbs, traveling to work or to the store can take a lot more time than if you lived in the city.
Another con of suburban life is that it can often be boring to some. There isn’t as much going on as there is in the city, and you might run out of things to do for fun. Things like public transportation generally aren’t that great in the suburbs, as well.
Which is Better?
The right choice depends on your needs and wants out of a home. If you want a larger and more affordable home, with more space and a quieter life, the suburbs are probably for you. If you like constant action, convenience and always having something to do or check out, the city is likely right for you.
While both are an adequate solution for many people, what about with the current Covid-19 pandemic? Which is the best option for staying safe during these trying times? At first glance, it would seem that being in the suburbs is the obvious choice. There are less people, less crowds and thus, a lower chance of contracting or passing on the virus.
However, living in the city often means you are closer to things like groceries or gas stations, and thus will spend less time out, which could decrease your exposure.
If we had to choose one, living in the suburbs is probably safer as there should be less people to potentially pass on the virus, but if you abide by the social distancing rules and guidelines, living in a city can be completely safe as well.
In conclusion, we hope that this article has been able to show you more about the pros and cons of living in the suburbs vs. the city.
Contributed by Mark Klein (Guest Writer)
