When it comes to lifestyle choices, nothing can impact the overall day-to-day as our permanent residence. Where we sleep and start each day sets the stage for our daily routine, but the community provides an even more influential frame in which our family dynamic develops.
If you are searching for a brand-new house, it all comes down to two choices. City living – captivating homebuyers with unmatched convenience and nearby opportunities galore. Or a suburban luxury retreat with a longer commute but more privacy, a larger yard, a home, and an entirely different set of community amenities.
Whatever your choice, remember that it will significantly influence your social life, your spare hours, and the way your kids develop toward adulthood. Numerous studies present evidence that residential locations correlate with wellness scores, personal values, and overall health. So, let’s dig in and weigh in the options.
Spending time outdoors
Being outside in nature can be a rare occasion in the city. That’s why suburban living has become a popular trend amongst families that value nature and fresh air as part of their daily routines. This isn’t to say that you won’t find parks or playgrounds around metropolitan areas. Still, these are usually small and far between.
Immediate access to nature provides convenience and safety, as kids won’t have to travel alone, and you won’t have to endure frustration over the traffic. Therefore, suburban communities encourage families to get outside and socialize, as little distraction gets in the way.
Health and wellness
According to one study published in Scientific Reports, people who spend at least 120 minutes in nature per week are more likely to maintain good mental and physical health. However, while this is important, there are other reasons suburban living benefits one’s health.
Another factor includes air pollution, which is notably lower outside of big cities. Similarly, homeowners in the suburbs have more access to walking trails and recreational facilities, which prove detrimental to how individuals spend their weekends.
However, in defense of city living, it is much easier to access specific recreational activities, as metro areas provide an abundance of venues. For example, gyms and indoor climbing centers are far more prevalent the closer you are to downtown. If you live in the suburbs, it may take a while to get there.
More space
Living in big cities can be expensive. Square footage is always scarce, and prices go much higher than in the suburbs. Similarly, you’ll have to choose between apartments and townhomes. In contrast, suburban communities can offer a single-story or a two-story home with a backyard.
This could be a vital differentiator for those who love hosting family gatherings. Similarly, if you have kids, a backyard provides unlimited entertainment and space for them to grow.
Access to educational facilities
While most suburban areas have relatively close access to elementary and high schools, cities provide some of the best educational facilities within the district. Furthermore, most extracurricular activities such as music classes, ballet, and sports training take place in the heart of metro areas, where it is much easier to find a good mentor.
However, education doesn’t always take place in a formal setting. Often, kids would learn from museums, exhibitions, and nature preserves. For this reason, weighing your options and considering the nearby amenities is essential.
Dining, shopping, and entertainment
When it comes to amenities, cities can quickly put a shadow over the suburbs. If you are a family that loves to go shopping, regularly eats outside, and relies on live performances or movie theatres for entertainment, then living in the suburb may not work. However, if you enjoy these activities in moderation, there is nothing terrible about having to endure the occasional commute.
Commute time
The last thing to take into account is commute time. The traffic could be unbearable depending on how far away from the city you live. Therefore, you should consider factors such as public transportation or carpooling. Still, there might be no way around the inevitable congestion.
However, one survey published in Cities – The international journal of urban policy and planning, provides counterintuitive data. In short, city dwellers are likely to spend more time in traffic – as much as 15% more – compared to their suburban neighbors. Such results are probably due to traffic congestion and rush hour activity within densely populated areas.
In conclusion, when choosing between the city or the suburbs, weighing the pros and cons of each option is essential. There are plenty of factors to consider, such as health and wellness, access to educational facilities, dining and entertainment options, and commute time. Ultimately, your choice will depend on individual preferences and family dynamics. Hopefully, the article above sheds some light on each option, helping you make an informed decision.
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