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Step 1
Would you like a larger house? Homes for the same price are often smaller in the city than the suburbs. New home builders often build many homes at once in the suburbs making the prices cheaper.
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Step 2
The city often has older homes with larger mature trees. Many suburban homes do not have any mature trees. You can pay more to have mature trees planted in your yard, but you cannot plant them throughout the entire neighborhood.
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Step 3
Do you have an active social life downtown? If you love going to museums, bars, clubs, art galleries, and other social events downtown more than once a week, then buying a home in the city may be the right choice for you. However, if your social events are right after work and you work downtown, then this will be less of an issue.
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Step 4
Suburbs usually have less crime (or perceived less crime) than the city. There are fewer people per square foot which leads to less probability of crime. There are also gated communities and communities with 24 hour police patrol in the suburbs.
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Step 5
Do you rely on public transportation? If so, there are very few options in the suburbs. There are also few public transportation options for your home helpers, such as a cook or housekeeper.
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Step 6
Do you have school aged children? The suburbs often have very good public schools. The city may have a questionable school system and require you to put your children in private schools, which cost a lot of money.
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Step 7
Do you mind a little extra driving? Living in the suburbs may increase your drive time by 30 minutes or more per day. The added commute not only limits your free time after work but also increases your gas bill, toll road fees, and wear and tear on your car.
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Step 8
Do you like the idea of living in a cohesive community? Many suburbs are master planned communities or developments with community centers, community pools, and community retail such as grocery stores and dry cleaners. Older homes in the city were usually built without such features, unless you join a country club.
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Step 9
Do you mind street noise? Cities are often noisier than the suburbs. There are more people, cars, and dogs that make more noise.
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Step 10
Do you mind constant traffic and lots of people? The city often has streets that cannot accommodate the number of cars and grocery stores that are packed with people. In the suburbs, there are many stay-at-home moms who shop during the week so the stores and streets are less crowded during the weekend.
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Step 11
Many cities are packed with people and cars which create pollution. The air quality in the suburbs is usually less toxic.
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Step 12
Do you want an energy efficient house? Homes in the city are often older and less energy efficient. Homes in the suburbs are generally newer with the latest requirements in energy efficiency and home safety. New home builders are putting in a lot of green features in new homes, such as extra insulation, energy efficient appliances, and dual paned windows.
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Step 13
Neighborhoods in the suburbs often have strict deed restrictions and a Homeowner's Association to make sure your home does not devalue because of a neighbor who does not keep up his home. Homes in the city do not usually have deed restrictions or a Homeowner's Association.
Comments
TheGlamSquad said
on 12/14/2008 Very great article! I loved it! 5*****