by Wendy Dessler, Guest Contributor
One of the most natural things said than done is selecting where you are going to live. You do not have the luxury of just picking a place, and you start living there, but you can still make that decision. However, choosing the best place to live involves many dynamics.
You must take into consideration a vast number of concerns. Further, personal preferences also come into play. Only after you have considered all the factors can you make an informed decision.
Some of these considerations include a preference to make a home in the middle of activity or a secluded, calmer location like a small town or suburb. Each living environment features its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on your personal preferences and living situation.
You may admire living in a small town, or you may even be happier living in a city. Perhaps you have tried both living environments and would like to move to a new location that fits your lifestyle. But before you make a move, here are a few things you should consider.
Anonymity
If you live in a small community, you should be aware that people will talk. In a small community or town of fewer than 30,000 people, gossip or information tends to spread rapidly.
In the suburbs, everyone knows everybody or is somehow connected to them. The smaller the community, the lesser the chance of anything slipping through the cracks, which is both a pro and a con.
On the one hand, living in the suburbs will make you feel like you are part of a robust and vibrant community, but people will talk. While it’s not necessarily a bad thing, there is a more considerable chance that many people will have the wrong idea of who you are.
Entertainment
A couple of suburbs have transformed themselves into entertainment centers where people go from all over the country. However, if you are looking for a new place to live with a wide range of cinemas, dining establishments, amusement parks, and other entertainment, the big city is the way to go.
The typical suburban area has nothing to offer much in terms of entertainment. If any, it pales when you compare it to the enormous inventory available in the city. Besides, the city has a thriving nightlife while the small town may have a few opportunities, none are available daily.
Practicality
The choice of where you live is a matter of your taste and preference. On the other hand, you should also consider the practicality of living in either the city or the suburbs. For example, if you must commute to work in the city every day for work, are the added travel costs justifiable?
Further, you should consider if you would be willing to travel that much in traffic. The final decision depends on what you feel is best for you. But if you choose to live in the suburbs and commute to the big city, there should be some practical questions you should be answering yourself.
Opportunities and Cost of Living
Big cities are hubs for endless opportunities, especially for people looking for employment or looking to start a business. While the big city offers you plenty of opportunities, remember that everything else in life will be more expensive. From the single meal you have in a day to the cost of living, everything will be much costlier.
Plus, you will be paying out more in the form of fuel, taxes, owning property, and even the vehicles are expensive. For example, the cost of fuel in some cities has skyrocketed to over $3 per gallon. Conversely, living in the suburbs increases your purchasing power significantly.
Gas is cheaper, goods are more affordable, and the overall cost of living drastically reduces when you live in a small town. However, this does not mean you pack up and leave for the remotest location you can find. Such a move has some inherent costs that will become part of your overall monthly expenses.
Your Choice
Living in a suburb or the city does come with pros and cons. You need to weigh all the options available from each side and choose what works out best for you. Remember, what is suitable for you may not be the best fit for everyone else.
