When building a new house, one of the most important choices you’ll have to make is deciding where to build the home. The choice between urban and suburban lifestyles can be a difficult one to make; however many city dwellers don’t realise the benefits of a suburban lifestyle. In fact, the ‘burbs have several advantages of the big smoke!
1. Better schools
Suburban schools have a reputation for being better than their inner city counterparts. One of the theories behind this is linked to property taxes and council rates going towards national school funding, which in turn benefits suburban schools. Whatever the reason, these schools are often better equipped and have the added benefit of larger grounds and facilities.
2. Bonding with your neighbours
Living in a suburb community allows you to get to know your neighbours. Unlike inner city living, where your neighbours are more likely to be high turnover tenants of rental properties, suburban communities can be more stable and tight knit. This provides a great sense of community, and neighbours often call on each other for help. Whether it be taking the bins out or collecting mail while you’re away, it’s great to have neighbours that you can rely on.
3. Improve your quality of life
Crime rates in the suburbs are generally lower than in the city. There is also less traffic congestion, and more open spaces for public use. This feeling of space and general ease of life brings with it a slower, more relaxed pace that the city lacks entirely. This makes the suburbs a much more comfortable and relaxing environment for raising a family.
For those who miss the wide range of shops available in the city, suburban development is seeing a large number of shopping centres being built to cater for the suburban family. Suburbs are becoming more and more self sufficient, with shops, parks, recreation spaces, and gyms all saving families a trip into the city.
4. Get in touch with nature
With more public space available, the suburbs tend to have a closer connection with nature. There tend to be more trees, greenery, parks, and grassy areas where residents can feel more connected to their environment. Far from the sirens and sounds of city traffic, this can provide more peace.
5. Cost of living
As a general rule, the overall cost of living tends to be less than that of inner city areas on average. Rent and house prices are generally cheaper, as are commodities such as groceries and petrol. These things can all add up, and while commuting from the suburbs takes longer and may be pricier, the benefits tend to outweigh the costs.
6. New work options
Some may argue that working outside of the city is boring, insisting that the hustle and bustle is what’s needed for you to feel like you’re at work. However more and more companies are moving to suburban office to take advantage of space and cost savings. The benefit for workers is that they can be closer to work (if they live in the suburbs), and the stress of city commuting and corporate crowds are lessened. This contributes to a more relaxed pace and a generally better work/life balance.
As cities continue to grow, the suburbs are no longer what they used to be. Facilities are quickly improving and families are reaping the benefits of suburban living. In an age where work/life balance is becoming a priority, the suburbs can offer a greater quality of life and a much happier environment when compared to the stresses and pressures of city living.
