Relocating from an urban area to suburbia is a drastic change that entails changing not only your home but the whole lifestyle as well. That’s why adjusting to living in the suburbs can take some time and effort. Let’s go over all the pros and cons you should consider before deciding to go down this path.
If you're wondering - is living in the suburbs good? Read on to find out all of the pros and cons of this arrangement
More and More People Are Searching for Their Next Home in Suburban Places
There are a lot of reasons to move, and it is the same when it comes to leaving a city to move into a suburban area specifically. You’re probably asking yourself – why do people prefer to live in the suburbs? Affordable homes, as well as larger square footage, are the main benefits that people have in mind when thinking about moving cross-country to a more suburban region. Besides affordability, safety and a slow-paced, quiet lifestyle are some of the positive aspects that drive people to make this huge change in their life.
It’s Important to Do a Deep Dive Into the Different Neighborhoods in America
Researching everything thoroughly is not something you can accomplish with a last-minute move because it takes time to find the right cross-country moving services. If you’re looking for a change of scenery and are still wondering where to move to, websites such as AreaVibes are perfect for deciding what neighborhood you want to relocate to. You should look up everything, from employment opportunities to crime rates, and read reviews of residents that serve as valuable first-hand experience.
You should keep in mind that while the outskirts are generally less expensive to live in, there are still some neighborhoods that are a bit more expensive than others. But if you do your research right, you will surely find the perfect match for you. If you’re interested in the history of American suburbia and how it came to be, check out this interesting video:
Everything Comes in a Bigger Size Except for the Cost of Living in the Suburbs
So, what does it mean to live in the suburbs? Well, simply put – everything is bigger but also cheaper. If you like the prospect of having more space, but for an affordable price that won’t make your eyes roll in the back of your head, you’ll learn about plenty of suburban locations that match this description. House hunting is definitely not going to be such a nightmare when you’re getting a better price per square foot.
Sometimes a mortgage payment for a house outside of the urban area can be less than one rent payment in a city, especially if you’re residing on your own. You can get your dream home with a big yard for the price of a small apartment downtown, and that is especially convenient if you’re relocating with kids. Other expenses, such as groceries and amenities, are generally lower as well. If you’re able to do your work remotely or you’re relocating because of a job, you’ll save up money in no time.
The Suburb Life Is Perfect if You Want to Settle Down With Your Family
For families, especially large ones, looking at homes on the outskirts is the best option because there’s enough space and storage for everyone to live comfortably. So, if you have children or are planning to have them in the near future, looking for a home in the neighborhoods outside of the bustling city centers is the way to go.
Let’s look at a few reasons why it can be a perfect place for raising your children:
- More room for everyone – all of the members of your family can look forward to having their own space,
- Better school system – generally, there are better-rated public school systems, more resources, and less crowded classrooms in suburbia, but you should consider checking the school ratings to make sure that your kids will get the best education possible,
- Lower crime rates – the crime rates are much higher in cities, and the safety of your neighborhood should be your top priority if you’re bringing your children with you,
- Perfect for outdoor activities – you will have a backyard your kids can run around in, and if they get bored of their own yard, there are plenty of local parks to choose from.
There’s a Slower Pace When It Comes to Life in the Suburbs
As we’ve just mentioned, residing in the outskirts of urban areas is perfect for a healthy and active lifestyle, hiking through green areas and hanging out in the local parks. That’s why it can be a great option if you’re relocating with pets. Everything is much cleaner and more peaceful and relaxing. It becomes quiet after ten o’clock in the evening, and things are generally happening at a slower pace. It might take some time to adjust to this if you’re used to the fast-paced city environment.
If you’re dying to leave the stress and traffic that are essential parts of residing in the city, you’ll quickly learn that relocating to suburbia actually means you get the best of both worlds. It is not exactly urban, but not quite rural as well. You will have more time for yourself and your family, and this time can be spent enjoying nature. But at the same time, you won’t have to say goodbye to all of the conveniences of a city.
Now is the perfect opportunity to start a new adventure in nature
You’ll Quickly Realize That the Stress of Downtown Traffic Is Long Gone
When everything is bigger and wider, traffic jams basically do not exist. You’ll come to realize that certain things that were the most difficult aspects to adjust to in the urban jungle are not issues in suburbia. There are lots of parking spots to choose from, from the parking lot to the wide streetway, and you won’t have to pay for it everywhere you go.
But when it comes to commuting, what is the downside of living in the suburbs? Well, there won’t be that many options for public transportation. So, it is important you look into how car shipping works and also how to pack your vehicle for the move. The best option is to hire reputable cross-country movers that offer auto-transport as one of their long-distance moving services. But if you don’t already own a car, now is the perfect time to make this purchase.
Making Friends Is Easier When You Reside in a Small and Tight-Knit Community
Sure, there’s a possibility of getting a sense of community when you’re in an urban area, but connecting with other residents is the easiest in suburban communities. While you will be able to keep in touch with old friends, you will also make new friends fairly quickly. This sense of community is the perfect environment for raising your kids, and it is one of the main reasons new or future parents decide to move.
You will probably reside in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, and that means that you’ll be able to enjoy amenities such as a community pool or clubhouse. If you want to be an active participant in the community, it will obviously be easier to do in a smaller neighborhood. From the PTA meetings to the local government, getting involved and connecting with others will be much simpler.
The homes may be far apart, but meeting new friends has never been easier
Now That We Went Over the Pros, Let’s Look at the Downsides of Leaving the Urban Jungle
Now that you know all the benefits you can enjoy when residing on the outskirts of cities, let’s look at some of the reasons why it might not be the best option for you. After all, it comes down to the vision you have for the lifestyle you want to lead at this point in time. If you love being in the middle of the action and under the vibrant lights of the urban jungle, now is not the time to rush and make this huge change. Here are a few downsides of residing in a suburb:
Having Lots of Space Comes With the Problem of Filling It
As strange as it might sound at first, getting a bigger space can turn out to be a problem, especially if you’re relocating from an apartment to a house. You will have fewer household items because your first apartment checklist wasn’t that extensive, but now you’ll have to invest in additional furniture and appliances. You might need to do some renovations as well, and your landlord might not always be available to take care of everything.
You Won't Have the Benefit of Being Close to Economic Centers and Cities
We’ve already talked about traffic, but the truth is it has its advantages as well as disadvantages. Sure, you will find a parking spot quickly, but the time you spend inside your vehicle will be much longer, especially if you need to commute to get to work. Using public transport is also out of the question, and if you don’t already have a car, you will need to buy or lease it, and we all know that maintaining a vehicle can get quite pricey.
There May Be a Lack of Job Opportunities
If you’re planning on living in the suburbs and are relocating without a job, you might need to have a little bit more patience when looking to land a job. It can be less stressful and competitive going to interviews, but there may be a lack of opportunities in your particular field. So, it is a good idea to look into your options even before you research cross-country moving companies and find a job before you move.
There Are Less Entertainment Options and Cultural Activities
Restaurants, cultural events, and activities can be found in the small towns as well, but keep in mind that there will be fewer options to choose from. Going to a fun activity or visiting a big attraction will, in most cases, entail sitting in the car for hours. Finding a neighborhood that is close to the nearest urban center can easily resolve this problem, but if you’re an avid enjoyer of nightlife, you should probably stay away from the suburb.
Making Friends Might Be Easy, but Staying Anonymous Will Be Hard
If you ask most urbanites, staying anonymous in a big crowd and not having to make small talk everywhere you go is one of the best aspects of residing in cities. The same is not true for living on the outskirts, and you’ll probably recognize people and get recognized everywhere you go. No one wants to live across the street from a noisy neighbor that starts asking questions as soon as your cross-country moving company arrives in your driveway.
Once You’ve Made Your Decision, It’s Time Contact Long-Distance Movers
When you’ve weighed out all the pros and cons and figured out that leaving the busy urban landscape is perfect for you, start creating your relocation to-do list. It is a big change, and it can be difficult to adjust to the new environment, so it’s best to let a professional long-distance moving company handle the move. It will ensure a stress-free relocation, and you will be able to move much more efficiently.
So, see what kind of packing assistance or any other cross-country moving service you may require. Once you’ve got this covered, you can sit back and relax, knowing that your belongings are in safe hands. All that’s left to do is prepare for this next (peaceful) chapter of your life!
