The choice between a city vs suburbs house differs greatly from what people might think. More than choosing the right location, it’s about choosing the right lifestyle. Think about it! On the one hand, there are the glimmery comforts of modern city life; on the other, there is the solace of the suburbs. One gives you more opportunities, while the other might align seamlessly with your budget. From the quality of life to the types of homes, there’s so much to consider. In this seesaw of house hunting, how would you make your pick?

Prioritising Our Way

The simple hack to solve any confusion is to prioritise. Whenever two options seem equally appealing, prioritise what’s important to you and move ahead with it. Not just real estate, this trick works for pretty much everything in life. But for now, we are here to settle the city vs suburbs house debate. This blog discusses five key parameters, ranging from affordability to overall lifestyle, that will help you clarify your priorities. Once your vision is clear, you can easily choose between a city house or a suburb house. Take a look at these five key factors below.

Factors To Consider While Choosing Between City vs Suburbs House

Choosing Between City vs Suburbs House
Credits : Clover Mortgage

Housing Style

The broad difference between city vs suburbs house can be summed up this way: The cities provide convenience, while the suburbs offer space. Urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver are known for multi-floor housing. Popular property types include condominiums, apartments and townhouses. While these look sleek and modern, city houses often have higher living costs.

Home seekers in the suburbs have the opportunity to enjoy a spacious lifestyle. Instead of multi-floor housing, these are widely known for their expansive estates. Popular housing types in the suburbs include detached houses, bungalows, and semi-detached homes. The living costs are relatively lower, and homeowners enjoy the luxury of backyards and front lawns. 

Work & Growth Opportunities

Traditionally, cities are associated with better access to work-related opportunities. A city house should be the go-to choice if professional growth is your priority. There is a better infrastructure in place that saves commute times and provides easy access to flourishing opportunities. However, ever since the pandemic, the suburbs have caught up too!

The rise of remote-working setups has also allowed the working population to shift to suburban houses in search of a greater work-life balance. It enables them to live the way they like without compromising on work. If you are in a flexible work-from-home setup and looking to devote much of your time to nurturing your family, a suburb house would be a great choice.

Health Conditions

Health conditions play out more interestingly in this context. The leverage of city houses lies in offering quick access to premium healthcare centres, hospitals and medical facilities. The city life, however, is also more-polluted and stress-prone. Suburb houses, on the other hand, provide a relatively healthier and cleaner environment. There is greater scope for playful outdoor activities and better access to organic fresh food. However, access to cutting-edge and immediate medical assistance might be limited.

Amenities and Facilities

This is the ultimate catch of the cities, right? You get anything and everything you want without any hassle. From global restaurant chains and shopping centres to top schools and colleges, the world is at your convenience. The suburbs are also catching up in this area. While the accessibility might not be as good as a city, greater amenities and facilities are available in the suburbs today than before.

Both cities and suburbs provide amenities. The difference lies in how they do so. When choosing, a home seeker should be clear about whether malls and supermarkets are their preference or if small grocery stores and quaint boutiques work just fine.

What’s the Life You Imagine?

So far, the decision-making is centred around work, amenities and health. But life is much more than that. The choice between a city or a suburban house ultimately comes down to the life you wish to live. As you make a call, consider how you would want to see yourself with your family. If cooking together as your children run around in the lawn is your idea of a fulfilled life, then a suburb house is a great fit. But if it is elevating to the tenth floor of a corporate glass building and dining in new trendy cafes, then a city house would be the best choice. It all boils down to the way you envision your life. 

Wrapping Up : The How Will Lead to the Where 

So here is the crux of it all. The next time you’re confused, instead of asking, “Where do I want to live?” ask, “How do I want to live?” This approach will naturally guide you to the right location. Whether you prefer the fast-paced city life or the relaxed suburban environment, understanding your lifestyle preferences will help you decide between a city and a suburb house. It’s also important to realise that the lines between city and suburban life are blurring fast. Some cities are warm and friendly, and some suburbs are modern and advanced. With such complexity at play, the five bases of city vs suburbs house discussed above will come to your rescue. And, of course, the key tip is to always prioritise!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is living in the suburbs better than the city?

Each has its own advantages. While a suburb house offers advantages like more space and affordability, a city house provides more vibrancy and convenience.

Should I live in the suburbs or downtown?

The choice between a suburban house and a city house is highly subjective. While city life is known for its comforts and connectivity, suburban life is known for its spacious and rooted lifestyle.

Which part of Canada is better to live in?

Home seekers can choose to live either in the suburbs or in cities. Each offers its own advantages and unique ways of life.

What are some disadvantages of suburbs?

Some disadvantages of living in the suburbs are longer commutes, a potential lack of cultural and social activities, and fewer job opportunities.