Buying a home in the suburbs vs. the city

Buying A Home in The Suburbs vs. The City

Suburbs vs. the City: Where to Buy a Home

Many different factors should be taken into consideration before deciding to purchase a home. The big choice for many new home-buyers is deciding to live in the suburbs or the city. One of the biggest issues facing potential home owners is the amount of crime going on in a given area.

Suburbs vs. the City: Where to Buy a Home

• Families with children often take school districts under great consideration when considering homes for sale. In addition, the cost of living should always be taken into account when shopping for a new house. Ultimately, the main discrepancy between living in the suburbs and in the city is a large difference in overall atmosphere.

Crime

• Unfortunately, a large turn-off for many potential city-dwellers is the high rate of crime. It is no secret that suburban communities have much lower crime rates. This is of particular importance to families with children. The safety of one’s family often comes first when considering locations for future homes. Luckily, there have been great technological advances in the past few years that allow potential home-buyers to check area crime rates prior to purchasing. In the past, a home-buyer had to be in-the-know about a particular area. Now, he or she can do a quick internet search in the municipality of the potential home. There are crime maps available for areas that can even categorize what types of crimes are being perpetrated.

Schools

• School districts are typically better in the suburban areas. Unfortunately, many schools located in cities do not get enough funding. Many families ultimately choose their future home location on school district alone.

Schools

• It is important to learn about local schools prior to purchasing any new home. There is always the option of private school. Attendance costs should be taken into consideration also.

Cost of Living

• Cost of living is typically much higher in cities. Houses in the suburbs are more moderately priced. A budget typically goes a lot further in the suburbs. A small condo in the city may cost the same as a large, single family home in the suburbs.

Cost of Living

City-dwellers do save money on gas though. Commute should be taken into account when considering living in either the city or suburbs. The size of a family will often be the deciding factor on how large a home will need to be.

Family Atmosphere vs. Professional Atmosphere

• Many people find the suburbs appealing due to the more family oriented atmosphere. Homes for sale in the suburbs have a very family-friendly atmosphere about them. Children have yards to play in and friends to spend time with.

Family Atmosphere vs. Professional Atmosphere

• There are safe parks nearby and various community events to attend. City-living is typically fast-paced and professional oriented. City living is not very well suited to raising children, although many people do it successfully.

• Ultimately, the choice of living in the city or in the suburbs comes down to each family’s needs. Most families prefer the lower crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere of the suburbs. In addition, cost of living and school choices are quite preferable in suburban areas.

Further Reading…

• Brian Kondo is the leading real estate agent in Ajax & Pickering. Visit us today at http://www.briankondo.com/ to learn more, and view available listings.