Should Families Settle in the City or Suburbs?

Every family has unique needs, desires, and lifestyles. This means that it’s impossible to fit every household into a one-size-fits-all type of living situation. Some people are well-suited to the hustle and bustle of urban life, enjoying the crowds and the high level of city activity. Other people prefer a quieter environment with space and fresh air. Deciding whether to live in the city or the suburbs is primarily based on individual preferences and what works for that person or family.

As it turns out, over half of prospective home buyers participating in a recent survey indicated that they would prefer to live in the suburbs or country instead of the city. The study included folks from all demographics who were considering buying a home, including millennials who some might assume would prefer an urban setting. Two important factors for living location include employment, commute, and school districts.

With lower land prices existing outside the urban sprawl, and construction often more affordable outside city limits, many families are being drawn to country life. It’s even likely that families will be able to build more house in the suburbs than they would be able to afford in the city. The bottom line of where to put down roots is a multi-faceted decision. While affordability is one factor, there are other things to consider as well. After crunching numbers, considering drive times, and examining the schools, it really comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.

Is the heart of the family immersed in the opportunities available in the city, or would the less frantic lifestyle of the suburbs be a better fit? The answer to this question is as individual as every family and its unique members. The final answer might also change as a family evolves. What feels right when children are small could change with teenagers and also as the empty-nest years approach. Buying a home need not be a static decision.