If you are wondering whether to live around or in a busy metropolis, you should weigh the pros and cons. The best place for you to live will depend on your needs as well as those of your family. If you are a person who wants to kick start your career, the city is probably the best choice for you. Here are some of the pros and cons of city vs. suburban living:
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Pros of City Life:
Big cities such as Los Angeles, Denver, and Chicago have big downtown areas with several living options. If you live in such an area, you will be right in the middle of the action. From cocktail bars and nightlife to entertainment and fine dining, you will live in the middle of it all.
In cities that are thriving economically, new buildings keep going up thus giving you many modern living options: this is true for areas such as LA and NYC. Modernity surpasses residential living and city life allows you to see what the buzz is about. When hunting for residences such as Dallas apartments, you have many options from which you can choose.
Inner-city life has a rhythm and you do not need to own a car. With extraordinary public transportation, you do not have to purchase a vehicle. Without a car, you can save between $3,000 and $15,000 per year. With this extra cash at your disposal, you can be able to afford city life.
Cons of City Life:
However, city life comes with its own disadvantages. For instance, it traps poor people. Homeless people reside in metropolitan areas because they cannot afford transit and housing. This is especially true in NYC, San Francisco, and LA. Although Phoenix and San Diego are not that bad, Portland, Chicago, Denver, and Seattle have rough areas.
In central metropolises, the cost of housing is high, making it nearly impossible for most people to afford it. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan costs at least $3,757 per month. To afford rent in LA, you need to make at least $20,000 annually. Because renting does not build equity, it should make financial sense for you to live in the city.
Another disadvantage of living in the city is a centralized danger. Living in the middle of a big city makes it harder to get out in case of an emergency. A natural disaster could leave you trapped in the confusion with no way of leaving.
Pros of Suburban Life:
Houses are more affordable in the suburbs, making homeownership possible. Moreover, suburbs are safer due to protections such as neighborhood watch. These places are also quieter, making them ideal for people who do not like the hustle and bustle of the city.
With gated communities, you can raise your family without worrying about their safety. Some suburbs sit outside main cities, making commutes shorter. To make your transit less expensive, you can opt for suburbs that are around train stations.
The cost of homes in suburban areas is lower than in cities. When you choose the right property, its value will increase over time. In the suburbs, remodeling your residence is also much easier.
Cons of Suburban Life:
Not all suburban housing options are close to public transport. Suburbs that are closer to the city have higher housing costs due to house shortages. To find a house whose worth matches its price, you might have to live farther away from the city.
If you live sixty miles from your city workplace, your commute could take hours. This long commute can lead to the wear and tear of your car. Moreover, you will use a lot of fuel, which is expensive. Suburban life comes with HOA fees, which can be quite high, depending on the area.
When you consider car ownership and HOA fees, you might find that city living is more affordable. However, owning an inexpensive house in the suburbs might justify the extra costs.
Conclusion:
As you can see, city life and suburban life both have advantages and disadvantages. The choice that you make should be guided by your needs. For instance, if you want to start a family, suburban life is more preferable because it is quieter.
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