According to some of the latest statistics, there are around 175 million Americans living in the suburbs. While living in the city, often in revitalized downtown areas, was highly popular among Millennials who had few family responsibilities a decade ago, many are now choosing the suburban life instead, with the suburbs making a resurgence in the last few years.
No matter what your age, if you’re trying to decide whether to buy one of the Newark houses for sale, or search for a place in the suburbs, like Scarsdale, Larchmont and Munsey Park, for example, knowing the advantages you can enjoy by living the suburbs might just help you make that decision.
It’s More Affordable
Living in the city is more expensive than living in the suburbs. The average home in San Francisco sells for nearly $1.5 million, but just 30 miles away in the suburb of Walnut Creek, it’s $622,000 less at $878K. While you might find something in the city closer to your budget, it’s likely to be a fixer-upper, or a place that’s not nearly large enough for your needs. You’re much more likely to find something that fits what you’re looking for in your price range by buying a place in the suburbs.
You’ll Have More Space
On that note, because there’s more land to build in the suburbs, you’re likely to have a larger lot and a bigger home, which is a definite advantage for a couple thinking about starting a family, or those who already have children. For singles and couples not planning to have kids in the near future, a small space might be doable. For families, it’s almost always better to buy a place in the suburbs so that you’ll have enough room for everyone instead of trying to fight for a small amount of space, bumping elbows with someone in the kitchen every time you cook.
For those who want to enjoy outdoor living space, while some places in the city do offer that, it’s likely to be of limited size. A home in the suburbs might come with a big fenced backyard and a front yard too, offering the opportunity to garden and even grow your own food.
A Better Sense of Community
While it can be possible to get a sense of community in a city, it’s generally easier to feel like part of a community when living in the suburbs. Many people buy in the suburbs just for that reason, wanting to raise a family in a neighborhood with parks and good schools, away from the chaos of the city. In some neighborhoods there are associations that host special events so that neighbors can get to know each other, and they may have a community pool and other venues for activities.
More Privacy and Less Noise
While you might have a longer commute if you work in the city and live in the suburbs, the only time you’ll have to contend with all the traffic noise and crowds is when you’re away from home. In suburbs, there are almost always fewer people per square mile, meaning more privacy and less congestion. If you like your privacy, the suburbs are probably for you, especially when comparing city apartment complexes and condos to suburban housing communities.
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