City Life vs. Living in the Suburbs

The city life is fast and glamorous, but the suburban life has its perks as well. Where you ought to settle down depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences. You may recall reading about rural and urban living in school when you were younger. The rural area is the countryside or villages, whereas urban areas are defined as the modern/developed regions. City life is precisely the most sought after urban life.

Urban & Rural

The shift from rural to urban life is a common practice all over the world. In the last few decades, millions of people have abandoned their rural homes and moved to cities. The metropolitan life is highly attractive because it is associated with better livelihood options, cultural diversity, frolic, and sophistication. Rural life has its own significance for people inclined towards simplicity and natural landscapes. Suburban living is the intermediate of rural and urban life; some might call it the best of both worlds.

Pros and Cons

Living in the city means you have proximity to all the extravagant malls, fanciest restaurants, coolest nightclubs, and infinite recreational facilities. The city never sleeps so you will always be surrounded by hustle and bustle; the streets are always lit and you cannot hear the sound of crickets at night. It is never too late to go out and have fun with friends or order pizza at home. Getting from one place to another is rather convenient, given the variety of public transport options.

The suburbs are perfect for individuals who crave some peace and quiet in their lives. You will be far away from the commercial disturbances and hear the sound of wind on a breezy night. The outdoors is free of excessive light pollution, and holds an abundance of lush green elements. However, personal transport is important if you have to leave the house frequently.

Most people working in the city can easily find a living space nearby. The towering apartment complexes can house hundreds of people. Walking or biking is feasible to manage basic errands such as grocery shopping. Underground trains, buses, or cabs are always available to cover longer distances. There is so much you can see and do around the city in your free time. You get to experience a plethora of cuisines, style/fashion, religions, opinions, beliefs, and entertainment; places like Chinatown and Little Italy give you a slice of foreign culture, art, and attractions.

Unlike the city, suburbs are not the hub of job opportunities. Shops, markets, and cafes are not available on your doorstep and you need your own car to travel the long distances. You are likely to find some nice recreational parks around you, but other than that, places for outing are limited. You can expect to run into the same people every day, and the atmosphere typically lacks heterogeneity.

Living in the city is expensive and apartments are usually compact. Owning something lavish and spacious with connected outdoor space may cost a fortune. The population density in urban areas is much higher than surrounding rural and suburban areas. As a result, the basic costs of living such as food, rent, school fee, etc. are elevated. The average cost of living in a big city is $3000 per month for a single person; living in the suburbs can potentially cut down the costs to half.

In the suburbs, you can get an independent building for a house. There is a lot more space, which is very suitable for larger families (kids and pets will love it!). A roomy home with ample backyard space or a patio shall cost less than a cramped apartment in the city. Basic living costs like food and utilities are lower, because the competition is less. Suburban schools facilitate your children better than the smaller jam-packed schools of the city. Despite all, driving your own car everywhere will add to expenses, in terms of fuel and maintenance.

The city appears to be an anthropogenic masterpiece, but it comes with drawbacks. Cities tend to be crowded, noisier, and more polluted as opposed to suburbs. Greenery is scarce and blinding lights are widespread. The crime rate in also higher, because DUI/DWI offenses, burglary, and homicides are more common in the metropolitan zone.

The suburban neighborhood is safer and calmer. It provides abundant prospects for outside activities like hiking, camping, jogging, and bird watching. The air has a higher percentage of oxygen, which makes the environment refreshing. The seclusion and foliage has a positive effect on the person’s health.