Can’t decide where you want to live? We have you covered. This guide lets you easily compare the pros and cons of living in urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods.
Table of Contents
The Pros of Urban Living
Younger Professionals
Youthful professionals are drawn to urban neighborhoods because of the opportunities that abound, as well as the chance to find their niche.
More Excitement
Urban living often means being in the middle of a diverse, bustling city, where you have unparalleled access to culture, art, and other resources. You can walk almost anywhere within your neighborhood or take public transportation if you need it.
Accessible Amenities
There’s no shortage of food or shopping in an urban environment. From corner markets and grocery stores to upscale restaurants, there’s always something new to try just around the corner in an urban area—and where there’s food, there are people!
More Opportunity
With so many young people moving into metropolitan areas each year, opportunities become readily available for those seeking work or advancement in their career fields. Competition is high, but with persistence, you can really make a name for yourself in this type of environment!
The Cons of Urban Living
The High Cost of Living
One of the biggest cons of living in an urban area is the high cost of living. In big cities, almost everything costs more: rent, groceries, gas, and even entertainment. The higher cost of living makes it difficult for many people to afford to live in these areas unless they have a higher income.
Higher Crime Rates
Crime rates in urban areas are higher than in suburban and rural areas. Authorities regularly report more burglaries, robberies, and aggravated assaults in urban areas than in other places.
The Pros of Suburban Living
Quieter Living
One of the pros of living in a suburban area is that it’s much quieter. In the city, there are many people who live around you and your neighbors. Not only does this mean you have to listen to your own family, but also to all of the people from other families.
You can hear everything from their conversations to the television to their kids running around. It may not bother some people, but for those who like a little bit more peace, suburban living is perfect with its peace and quiet.
Better Funding
When looking for a house, you should always look at the school district. If the schools are good, then it is most likely an indication that the community has better funding. With this, you will usually see high-quality roads, sidewalks, and recreational facilities in suburban areas.
Relaxing Environment
One of the best reasons to live in a suburban area is the relaxing environment. Suburban areas are quieter than city areas, and they have much better funding for schools.
What’s more, people in suburban areas will have yards, whereas people in urban areas will not. This means you can enjoy fresh air and peace and quiet from your day-to-day life.
Another advantage is that people who live in the suburbs typically have more space to spread out. You don’t need to worry about living close to your neighbors or having them in your business. All of this makes for a relaxing way of life and can make it easier to find your dream home.
The Cons of Suburban Living
Longer Commute Times
Commute times are much longer when you live in the suburbs. This is because of the long distances between work and home. What’s more, you could get stuck in traffic along the way. And once you hit the city, the roads are busier.
Lack of Public Transportation
The lack of public transportation is one of the cons of living in the suburbs. In urban areas, there are many different options for public transportation. You can take a bus, train, or subway to get from Point A to Point B.
In suburban areas, you’re limited to driving your car, which often means spending more time on the freeway. The longer commute times make it difficult for people who work in different parts of town and for parents who want to get their kids to after-school activities.
In addition, not having many public transit options means that people without cars are left without many ways to travel anywhere outside their residential area.
Lack of Amenities
The suburbs are a great place to live, but they lack some amenities. You might have to travel a long distance just to see a movie or go out to eat.
The Pros of Rural Living
The Silence of Rural Living
The silence of rural life is one of the best things about it. The lack of noise can be a blessing for many people. Especially those who live in heavily populated areas where there are always cars honking and sirens blaring. It’s nice to just sit outside and hear nothing but the wind rustling through the leaves.
Better Relationships with Family and Friends
One of the benefits of living in a rural area is that it can be easier to have deeper relationships with family and friends. Living in the country means that you’re more likely to live closer to your relatives. You’ll also have an easier time attending family events and spending time with them on holidays.
Crime Rates Are Lower
Crime rates are lower where it’s more rural. There’s less population for criminals to target, thus making rural life less risky.
The Cons of Rural Living
Higher Property Maintenance Costs
All is not sunshine and rainbows, however, as rural living usually comes with higher property maintenance costs. This can get expensive, especially if you’re not used to paying higher prices for basic living expenses.
You’re Away from Amenities
Living in a rural area means that you may be separated from amenities, like shopping and entertainment. So, if you’re not happy being isolated from city life, rural living might not be for you.
It Can Be Lonely for a Single Person
Living in the country by yourself can be lonely. Some people do it because they like access to land and peace, but you have to be prepared for the lack of a support system.
If you’re single, living in the country could mean you don’t have many friends. That’s not always a bad thing, though. If you need to get away from people or relax your brain, rural life is perfect.
