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Living in the City vs. the Suburbs: Pros and Cons -

Brian Lee BurkeBrian Lee Burke
Aug 29, 2020 4 min read
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Living in the City vs. the Suburbs: Pros and Cons -

Are you looking for a new place to live? Not sure if you prefer a big city or a more suburban area?


We'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of both. Then you can weigh the possibilities to make your decision. Once you know the type of neighborhood you're looking for, online services can help you find the right place. Believe those at UMoveFree.

Why Live in a Big City?

City life can have a lot of advantages. Let's check them out.

Work and Educational Opportunities

Factories, offices, and universities often establish themselves in cities. Thus, significant places have more job and education opportunities.

Public Transportation

Metropolitan areas usually have reliable public transportation through buses, trains, or subways. In many cases, city dwellers don't need to have a car.

Social Interaction and Cultural Diversity

The city is a melting pot for people from all over the country and the world. You'll find ample opportunities to participate in events and get to know new people.

Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.

What’s Great About the Suburbs?

Suburban areas also have many good qualities. Many families raise their kids a little farther away from the big city.

Easy to Get Around

When transporting kids and items like groceries, it's not practical to do so on foot. In the suburbs, the grocery store is close enough to take a quick drive to get there. Then you can load everything and everyone into the car or van to go home.

Bigger Houses and Yards

The suburbs tend to have larger houses with more yard space. The extra room is great for families with children. There's also more space to park cars.

Kids Gain Independence Sooner

With less traffic and parks nearby, parents often give suburban children the freedom to walk or bike alone sooner than they could in a big city. This way, kids can build confidence in their autonomy.

Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.

Drawbacks to City Living

Cities can also have their disadvantages.

Traffic, Noise, and Pollution

With many people and vehicles concentrated in one area, traffic is often heavy. Thus, there's more noise and air pollution than in rural or suburban neighborhoods.

More Crime

Crime rates tend to be higher in big cities. This phenomenon occurs due to several factors, including the lower likelihood of being recognized when committing a criminal act.

Higher Stress Levels

Studies have shown that city dwellers have higher stress levels than those who live in quieter communities. The hustle and bustle of the city can be overwhelming to many.

Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.

Disadvantages of the Suburbs

There are also some negative aspects of suburban living.

You Need a Car - or a Few!

With no public transportation, you have to drive everywhere. You end up needing a car for every driver in the family.

More Space Equals More Work

A larger house and yard mean more labor to maintain them. This work may take up time you would rather spend resting or enjoying your family.

Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.

Commuting to the City

If you work in the city, you may face a long daily commute involving high traffic. Thus, moving to the suburbs doesn't necessarily mean avoiding traffic jams.

To Sum Up

Both cities and suburban areas have great qualities as well as drawbacks. Cities can provide more jobs, educational opportunities, and social outlets. They also have the benefit of readily available public transportation.

 

The suburbs attract families with young children due to the ease of transportation by car and larger houses and yards. Parents may also feel comfortable giving kids freedom earlier in the suburbs.  

 

You can make the right choice by weighing your current needs against the unique qualities of cities and suburbs.

Contact Kenna Real Estate Group

WRITTEN BY
Brian Lee Burke
Brian Lee Burke
AUTHOR, E-PRO®, REALTOR® BROKER

Brian Lee Burke is the founder and team leader of Kenna Real Estate Group, a real estate team at Keller Williams DTC. A licensed REALTOR® since 2002, Brian helps Colorado buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate, new construction, pricing, and negotiation. He is also the author of The Real Estate Playbook and Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent.

View Brian Lee Burke’s full profile.