When you’re trying to decide where to move to for your next home, you may be considering what life would be like in the suburbs. The biggest decision you’ll make at the beginning of your journey is choosing between city life and the suburbs. It helps to first narrow this down because then you get focus on the locations on town that offer the lifestyle you prefer.

You may have to live close to where you work which will make this decision for you. If you have the option, consider which lifestyle you’ll be happier with by looking at the price differences, lifestyle differences and finally the right style of home for your family.

Your dream home

If you choose to live in the city in a single-family home, keep in mind that many are older and outdated. This can be a beautiful feature with a historical charm but it can also mean you’ll need to renovate and update.

When you choose the suburban life, you’re more likely to get to have a home built brand new and to your specifications. Is it more important to have a brand new home at a lower cost in the suburbs or the charm of something old in the city that will cost money to update?

Price differences

Of course choosing a home that is going to need renovated is going to be much more expensive over time. A home that is brand new may be expensive at first but it won’t require as much maintenance and repairs. In most cases the single-family homes on large lots in the suburbs are much more affordable than a condo or home in the city. More square footage for less money is what you’ll get in the suburbs.

Lifestyle differences

If you have a family or plan to, consider that a larger home and yard will be great for kids to play and for the family to expand. A condo in the city won’t offer a yard, extra bedrooms and specialty areas you may want to add like a wine cellar.

The inner city lifestyle will offer excellent city amenities like local shopping, restaurants, night life and typically workplaces reside there. You’ll have several school options in the city as well. Many condos will offer great views and you’ll have less maintenance with no lawn to care for.

The problem is that typically the suburbs are going to be more family-oriented, allow more access to outdoor space and you can always drive to the city to enjoy the amenities.

Consider which situation would suit your lifestyle better before choosing to live in the suburbs or the city.