It’s safe to say that the pandemic has changed how we see the different aspects of our lives, from our daily routines to our lifestyles and even the places we live in. And as we continue to spend more time at home, working and learning remotely, more people have realized that their current living situations no longer provide what they need.
With many Americans across the country working from home and attending classes online, not only is there no longer a need to live in the city, but suburban areas with more space and greenery are beginning to look more attractive to city dwellers. In fact, one in six Americans is already planning or has at least considered moving out of the city over the past year.
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Why People Move Out of the City
While many people may think that the pandemic is the driving factor of migration to suburban areas, this isn’t necessarily true. Some of the most common reasons people are moving out of the city include:
Needing More Space to Accommodate the New Normal
Before the pandemic, one’s living situation may not have been as critical as it is now. What used to be a place for spending time with friends and family away from work has now become a multi-functional space where you can take care of your personal and professional responsibilities. If you live in a high-density area like a city, you might find yourself not having enough room for a dedicated workspace, which can impact your motivation.
Being Closer to Family
This is one of the bigger driving factors of people migrating to the suburbs. While the reasons tend to vary, such as simplifying the family bubble, financial problems, and feelings of loneliness, among others, more people are moving to stay closer or even live with their families.
Protecting Themselves from the Virus
With health and safety protocols like social distancing put into place by the government, it can be challenging to follow when you’re living in a high-density area like a big city. And while density isn’t the sole reason for COVID-19 outbreaks across the country, it still plays a critical role in how quickly the virus can spread from person to person.
Aiming for a Greener Environment
The pandemic has taught us that air circulation is among the most important things we need to keep in mind to protect ourselves in these uncertain times. And while the easiest way to do this is by spending time in open-air spaces or opening the window at home, it can be difficult when you live in a city with excessive pollution problems.
The suburbs, on the other hand, offer a greener environment than that of a city. Some have nearby parks where you can relax, have more greenery, and allow you a breath of fresh air that you can’t find anywhere else
If you’re considering moving out of the city, here are a few things you need to know about suburban life.
The Pros
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Lower Cost of Living
This doesn’t necessarily mean buying a home in the suburbs is ten times cheaper than buying one in the city. However, you’re more likely to get more out of what you’ve paid for and getting a larger home than compared to what you could get in the city for the same amount.
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A More Peaceful Environment
If you’ve gone sometimes without enough sleep because of the hustle and bustle of the city, you won’t have to worry about that in the suburbs.
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Safer Neighborhoods
Cities aren’t exactly known for their safety, and the larger the city, the more likely it is to have a high crime rate. On the other hand, suburbs may not be crime-free and generally have fewer crimes than densely-populated cities.
The Cons
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You’re Probably Going to Need a Car
Most suburbs don’t usually have public transportation to get you from place to place, meaning you’ll most likely have to invest in a car to get to where you need to go. Owning a car can get expensive, and unless you’re willing to bike to the store or anywhere else, this may become a problem.
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Life May Start to Feel Boring
Living in the suburbs isn’t like living in the city; life goes by much slower. And while this may be a plus for some people, but those who want to socialize and involve themselves with different activities may get bored with suburban life eventually.
Things to Consider Before Making the Big Move
If Living in the Suburbs Fits Your Needs
Before planning your move, you have to consider whether living in the suburbs is the right decision for you and the rest of your household. Remember to do extensive research about different neighborhoods you’re interested in and be mindful of the cost of living, healthcare facilities, schools, and other establishments that are essential to your daily life. Aside from doing research, it also helps to visit the place and interact with the locals to see how daily life is.
Having a Reliable Realtor
If you’re buying or even just renting a home, having a realtor that you can rely on is extremely important. They need to know the neighborhood just as much as they know themselves and should know how to find you the perfect home that fits your budget, needs, and lifestyle.
Getting Assistance
If you’ve already decided to move to the suburbs and want to do so efficiently, hiring professional movers can make the process easier for you. If you’re thinking of moving out of state, it’s essential to get in touch with a professional moving company specializing in long-distance trips to help you make sure that all your things get to your new home in time and one piece.
In these uncertain times, it’s hard to predict whether more people will be moving to smaller cities or towns in five to ten years from now. Still, with remote work and learning slowly becoming the new normal, we’re likely to see more people taking advantage of low-interest rates and the lower cost of living in the suburbs in the near future.
Infographic provided by Careful Movers, a professional packing and moving company
