We may often find ourselves in a situation that requires us to make a choice between moving to the city or moving to the suburbs. While the decision making is generally difficult, it can be worsened if you have no clear preference for either of the options.

However, here are 5 key considerations that should prove useful when deciding which area to live in:

1. Cost Of Living

Finances play a critical role in deciding whether you want to reside in the city or its outskirts. If you have financial constraints and you want to live in a less costly place, then you should settle for a suburban area. Life in the suburbs is usually less costly because the people who live there pay less rent, less property taxes, and their daily expenses are less than those who live in a city.

While transportation costs will be a necessary consideration, the general total expenses are still relatively less when compared to living in the city. However, if you wanted to avoid having to travel at all (because you can just walk or bike everywhere in a small city), and want to be in the middle of all the action, then you might want to chose the city.

2. The Environment

Cities are usually crowded and have high pollution levels because of all the activities that normally take place there. The suburbs, on the other hand, are more peaceful, due to the fact that they are usually relatively distant from the hustle and bustle of the many activities happening in the city. While the suburbs mostly serve as quiet residential areas, cities serve as both a beehive of activity AND residential areas, which makes them extremely crowded and chaotic. Fremont, CA is an amazing location if you want a mix of both while remaining close to the San Francisco area (as an example).

Also worth noting is the fact that most people from the suburbs converge in the city for their activities. If you desire a peaceful and less crowded environment, then you should opt to live in the suburbs and travel to special events in the city. This is best for seniors, families, and those with more calm personalities. However, if you are young, want to enjoy a vibrant nightlife, and don’t mind a more crazy, loud environment, then you would enjoy the city life.

3. Housing

As mentioned earlier, the suburbs mainly serve as residential areas, so their housing is better that that of the city. The homes in the suburbs are more spacious and better planned than those in the city, due to the availability of space. Alternately, cities have relatively fewer spacious options, since the majority of the real estate market is a mix of condos and apartments. For those that need space for themselves or their families, the suburbs would be the best choice. However, if you do not really consider space and planning as issues, then you may desire to live in the city.

4. Safety

The suburbs, in most cases, have relatively lower crime rates when compared to those of cities. For those who consider safety a big issue, then the smartest choice would be the suburbs. This is mostly the case with those who have kids, pets, or both. You may need a safe environment where you can allow your children and pets to go play outside without having to worry about their safety. However, if you’re single or part of a couple with no kids or pets, and you practice good safety measures, then you could give the city a chance.

5. Services

Cities normally tend to have better services, with a variety of choices, when compared to the suburbs. They often have many good restaurants, hospitals, better transportation, valet parking, etc. Living in the city can help you access these services rather easily. For instance, your mode of transportation can help you quickly get to your desired place without much hustle, unlike if you lived in the suburbs and had to get into the city first.

People from the suburbs often have difficulties, such as traffic jams and finding a place to park, when getting into the city. So not only would it take those people longer to get there, but they would have to settle for an outrageous parking fee. However, if you rarely use services in the city, or don’t attend many events that are held there, then the suburbs would be perfect for you.

Summary

Making the choice between living in a city or a suburb can sometimes be difficult, but these considerations listed above should help you decide where you want to move. You can try the one that suits you, and if it does not fit your requirements, then you can always move to the other. If you want to try the city, you could sign a short term lease on an apartment and see what it’s like to live there first. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say!