Moving To The Suburbs Doesn’t Have To Suck

Courtney Capellan
Jul 25, 2017 · 4 min read

There’s no shortage of data on urban versus suburban living. If you want comparative reports based on saving money, employment, education, amenities and other metrics — have fun in your Google search and don’t get lost on YouTube.

This isn’t about statistics.

When it comes to leaving the city and moving to the suburbs, statistics will never be able to forecast a happy, healthy new life. Nothing can.

This is about hope. Hope for downtown dwellers everywhere, who find themselves forced to retreat to the fringes of the only thing they know as real society. So come on down from your still-for-sale high rise apartments and see what setting out for suburban pastures is all about.

Besides — like anything else, you’ll probably get used to it.

Urban vs. Suburban Intersection

More To Do — In More New Places

Metropolitan areas are the hub of art, culture and events. The pride and solidarity among residents is profound. Just go to to a sports bar in Buffalo when the Bills are playing. The rowdiness is touching.

To a point.

Like when you hear someone say, “I never have to leave the city.” That declaration goes way past the point of pride and bounces right back to where it came from…

Since when is it so great to live in a bubble?

It’s important not to confuse preference for urban lifestyle with a preference for cities in general. Not only do they have more to offer per square foot, metropolitan areas boast many of the highest-paying jobs — which probably attracted the younger generation in the first place.

If they made enough and saved enough in the city, the suburbs are increasingly desirable for Millennials looking for first homes. Extra bedrooms, nearby schools, pools, malls, shops and restaurants make suburban homes quite suitable for raising families.

Hip and happening cities,like Seattle and San Francisco, have hip and happening suburbs. Limited space forces hip and happening people to settle there instead. As a result, their suburbs thrive, like satellites, each with a hustle and bustle indistinguishable from that of their mother city.

More Space — That’s Safe

This “new urbanism” of suburbs isn’t just about amenities. The movement towards walkable villages and energy efficient homes is inspiring. In Chicago, increased interest from buyers has encouraged construction of more urban-style homes in the burbs. Proof it’s possible to still have a smart, modern, urban-inspired living space.

Plus — more space!

Finding open air and outdoor space is much easier in the suburbs. Walking trails, dog parks, and community gardens are hallmarks of suburban life. Compared to the crowded, concrete jungles of major cities, your health will thank you for making the transition.

Suburbs are typically safer than cities. Some love a “city that never sleeps” but will you really miss the late night hullabaloo signaled by horns, sirens, and gunshots? A few nights away from light and noise pollution can do wonders for your blood pressure. You’ll be so well-rested, you’ll want to take a late-night stroll. And you won’t think twice about getting mugged.

More Real Estate

“I don’t want more bang for my buck in terms of living space,” said nobody, ever. The cost of living is usually lower in the suburbs. But in many cases, suburban markets are in such high demand, the process of selling your home in the city before buying one in the suburbs can be challenging.

You’re making a big life change so getting the most for your investments matters. A lot.Selling property the traditional way (listing through an agent) isn’t the only way. If you need to relocate fast, get in touch with a professional homebuyer group for a quick turnaround quote. Or, if you can’t let go of your darling, downtown abode, consider renting it out on Airbnb in the meantime.

More Time Alone On The Road

City folks live and die by public transportation. You’re already prepared to trade your bus pass for a gas card. You’ll be behind the wheel a lot more in the suburbs.

But what’s wrong with that? Most Americans have a commute. What’s so bad about being among almost 20 million of them who commute from the suburb to the city? 75% of them drive alone! No more shoulder-to-shoulder subway rides. Or crowded crosswalks in the pouring rain. A little air-conditioned alone time can be a huge upgrade.

Driving to work might be your only opportunity to sing along to the radio; or decompress in silence after a stressful day. Traffic jams are great for people watching.

Carpooling is an efficient suburban solution for reducing time and money — especially for families. Maybe you never imagined yourself in a minivan but it beats failing to find a cab and having to walking the city streets with too many groceries!

Suburban Driving

Whatever your situation, you can make it work. Trade-offs, sacrifice and change make life worth living. Cities don’t disappear when you leave them. Wave goodbye, and then and hello to the suburbs!

Courtney Capellan

Written by

A Creative & Technical Writer, Freelance Digital Analyst. Also versed in SEO, Content Marketing, Humanities, Foreign Affairs, Culture, Fiction and Yoga.

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