Moving to the Suburbs: Things to Consider for an Easy Move
Published: 23 Nov, 2022
Last Updated: 20 Jun, 2023
Table of Contents
- 1. What Causes Moving to the Suburbs from Cities?
- 2. What to Consider Before Moving from the City to the Suburbs?
- 3. The Main Disadvantages of Living in the Suburbs
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tiny living spaces. Unreasonable rent prices. The daily cycle of stress. Sleep deprivation from never-ending traffic noises… The decision is made – you’re leaving the city and making a transfer towards suburban living. If that’s the case, you have come to the right place for a moving guide.
What Causes Moving to the Suburbs from Cities?
People usually move to the suburbs because they no longer find cities a suitable fit for their daily life. Affordability, safety, peace, cleanliness – all of that and more goes into potential reasons for making a move. Let’s look into each reason!
Larger Homes
Due to their population, bigger cities such as New York and Los Angeles often do not offer much space. In the suburban areas, you can rent a living and get the same space you’d get in a city for a much lower price. Be aware, however, that this will depend on your location, how far from the city you are moving to, and how affordable is your traveling cost.
Safer Neighborhoods
It is estimated that the level of crime is approximately twice as high in urban areas, as it is in suburbs. Think of daily activities such as walking late in the evening, letting your child have a sleepover at a school friend’s place, or leaving personal belongings in the car while grabbing groceries. As far as none of these activities are ever completely safe, you may have more peace of mind in the suburbs.
Affordable Cost of Living
Is your main reason for relocating the rent prices of big cities, which can get skyscraper-high – with no pun intended? In that case, you may check out suburban living!
In the suburbs, the cost of living is estimated to be about a third lower. Imagine how much you could save up for daily basics such as errands.
Less Stress
Living in large, lively cities can feel hectic, even if you’re used to hearing honking and construction noises 24/7 outside your window. Amidst all your job responsibilities and daily errands, it’s only natural you may find yourself seeking some relief from the hustle.
If you’re a person who easily feels overwhelmed by myriads of responsibility, moving to the suburbs might be your solution. Here, you will quickly feel like home due to the tranquil, moderate vibe matching your natural pace.
The Ability to Save Some Money
Many people relocate to the suburban areas after having lived, studied, or worked for a while in the city. Often, the relocation allows you to save up financially. Again, be aware of all your secondary spendings such as dining entertainment, and think smart in advance. But in general, living in suburban areas tends to be a lot more financially secure.
Cleaner and More Peaceful Environment
Urbanization doesn’t come without disadvantages. Littering, pollution and chaos are inevitable in industrial capitals. In the suburbs, you can find more natural greenery, such as parks barely touched by people. Streets are likely cleaner and the overall vibe tends to be more peaceful in comparison.
Slower Pace of Life
This factor is especially valuable if you have lived in cities all your life, and have experienced the pretty and the ugly of what they provide. Now, you may want to slow down and settle. This may be a particularly good tip for the elderly or retired. Large cities often offer less chance to appreciate simpler values and moments, like soaking up the sun on a Saturday afternoon with a cup of tea.
What to Consider Before Moving from the City to the Suburbs?
Just like any big move, transferring from the city to the suburbs will take some readjusting of your natural lifestyle and routine. There are some things which are particularly recommended to consider. Below, you will find some valuable tips.
Choosing the Best Location
Before settling down in the suburbs, we advise going through research on the area you’re moving to. Consider aspects such as the distances you will take to be traveling to necessities and/or entertainment places: gas stations, grocery stores, shopping malls, and so on. It would be wonderful if you can even talk to residents of the area, or pay it a trip visit beforehand.
Buying a Car
Moving to the suburbs can mean less or no access to public transportation, and we recommend you take care of that in advance! Purchasing your own vehicle gives you long-term independence and freedom in exploring your area. Not only that – car rides will save you plenty of travel time.
Attending Local Events to Make Friends
Making friends in a new city can be a challenge when you don’t know where to begin. We recommend starting with local events, such as farmers’ markets and nearby cafes. People in the suburbs tend to be down-to-Earth and friendly, and you are likely to soon find someone to spark up a conversation with.
Exploring the Infrastructure of the New Area
It’s important to get to know the railways, roadways, and bridges of the new area you may soon call your home. Explore the map of the new place, as well as its infrastructure, thoroughly. If possible, you may even give yourself a little tour across the place to sense out the pathways you’ll have to commute.
Exploring the Schools in the Suburbs
If you are moving with children, make sure to do research on the schools within your new area. Take into consideration components such as the school’s values, qualified management, and transportation time.
It is known suburban schools have certain advantages over city schools. For instance, they are considered reliably safer and lower in crime.
Hiring Professional Movers
Safe packing, precise planning, and efficient travel-time are all concerning and stressful factors of any long-distance trip. To ease these hurdles, we recommend turning to the services of a local moving company. Professional movers can assist you in your packing and moving processes, and make your trek a more enjoyable one.
The Main Disadvantages of Living in the Suburbs
Just like any place, suburbs also have their unavoidable downfalls. Even if these aren’t always disadvantages, they may displease someone who’s used to the comfort of city life. Keep reading to find out what to be prepared for.
Long Distance From the New House to Places Important for Your Daily Life
As we have mentioned above, the routes of public transportation may not be as advanced in the suburbs (especially if you are used to complex routes, such as the subway system services in NYC). Even simple trips, such as to the market, may take longer time and cost more due to gas prices. So again, unless you own a car and are used to daily travel, this part of suburban life may irk you in the beginning.
The Labor Market Is More Competitive
Something you should keep in mind when moving to the suburbs is that the level of competitiveness of the labor market also increases. Thousands of workers may have no influence on the market. For instance, farming, a popular job amidst the suburbs, is one of the most rigidly competitive markets.
It Can Be Boring
One of the reasons that cities attract so many residents and tourists is there’s something new to do on a regular basis. It’s common to see crowds lining up for a movie premiere, the grand opening of a restaurant, or a sale at an amusement park. If you consider diverse entertainment a vital component of your lifestyle, it’s likely that you will get bored easily in the suburbs.
Fewer Amenities
Life in the city most likely had you adjust to a comfortable environment. Swimming pools, gyms, playgrounds, pet places, and other services are provided within the zone of easy access. In the suburbs, there may be less to none of the above, depending on how far from urbanization you are relocating.
Although living in the suburbs differs significantly from city life, it offers its undeniable advantages and charming atmosphere. We hope this article becomes your guide in deciding and choosing your home-to-be!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Do People Move to the Suburbs?
People usually move from the city to the suburbs because they find themselves exhausted from the rush, and seek relief and peace of mind. Suburban life provides more safety, tranquility, relaxation, and balance. Many people find it more suitable to settle down in the suburbs, rather than in the center of a busy business capital.
How to Make Friends in the Suburbs?
There are all kinds of social groups settling in the suburbs; you should find yourself acquainted in no time. Check out schedules for local events and attend one which suits your interests, whether that is gardening, music, or movie nights. You can also join a social media group and network with people who live near your area.
What to Do in the Suburbs?
Although entertainment in the suburbs may not be as widespread and developed as in the city, there are still plenty of activities you can plan. Some ideas could be hiking, shopping, local cafes and restaurants, and farmers’ markets. You can also plan all sorts of activities related to nature, such as soccer practice or a picnic.
