Urban areas have traditionally been favored by families who want activities and amenities close by. But, we’re now seeing a trend of parents moving out of town to enjoy a better quality of life. Here are 19 eye-opening reasons families are making the move to the suburbs:
Housing Costs
One of the most significant factors pushing families toward the suburbs is the cost of housing. The average house price in the U.S. is $412,000, but urban areas have seen prices skyrocket to an average of over $700,000 in places like New York and LA. High mortgage and rent costs make it difficult for families to find homes within their budget. In contrast, suburban areas often offer more spacious homes with yards at a fraction of the price, allowing families to achieve homeownership without breaking the bank.
Space for Growing Families
As families grow, so does the need for more space. Suburbs typically offer larger homes with more bedrooms, ample living spaces, and bigger yards. Families are looking to secure extra space early on if they are expecting to have a large family with play rooms, studies and extra bedrooms on the horizon.
Improved School Systems
The quality of education is a top priority for parents and many suburban areas are known for their excellent public school systems. Schools outside of the city often receive better funding than city schools and will generally have smaller class sizes and more extracurricular activities.
Safety
Safety is a major concern for families and suburban areas tend to have lower crime rates than cities, particularly with violent crime and theft. The peace of mind that comes with living in a safer community is one of the major draws of suburban life once people start thinking of raising a family.
Access to Nature and Outdoor Activities
Suburbs typically offer closer proximity to nature, with parks, trails and outdoor recreational activities readily available. Access to green spaces encourages a more active and healthier lifestyle for families, offering children the chance to be outside as much as possible, even at school.
Work-from-Home Flexibility
The rise of remote work has allowed many parents to reconsider where they live. With the freedom to work from home, families no longer need to be tied to a city. Living in the suburbs is usually quieter and less stressful opportunity to switch off from work.
Community-Oriented Living
Suburban communities often foster a strong sense of togetherness, with neighbors forming close-knit relationships. Feeling that you’re part of a community iis appealing to parents who want to raise their children in a supportive environment where families look out for one another.
Lower Cost of Living
In addition to housing costs, the overall cost of living in suburban areas is usually lower than in cities. Everything from groceries to childcare can be more affordable in the suburbs, allowing families to make their money go further and enjoy activities that may be too expensive in the city.
Better Air Quality
Cities suffer from higher levels of pollution due to traffic congestion and industrial activity. In contrast, suburban areas generally have cleaner air as there’s less traffic and more green spaces. Good air quality is an important consideration for parents concerned about their children’s health and well-being as air pollution has shown to be harmful to our lungs.
Less Traffic and Congestion
Daily commutes in urban centers can be a significant source of stress due to heavy traffic and congestion. Suburbs, on the other hand, typically offer less crowded roads, making daily commutes more manageable and leaving parents with more time to spend with their families.
Amenities
Suburbs are often designed with families in mind with a range of amenities such as playgrounds, community centers and libraries for all of the family to use. While some of these amenities are available in the city, they’re often overcrowded and don;t have the same sense of community.
Private Outdoor Spaces
In urban areas, outdoor space is often limited to shared public parks. Suburban homes frequently come with private yards where children can play safely, families can garden and everyone can enjoy outdoor activities without leaving home.
Improved Mental Health
The hustle and bustle of city life can take a toll on mental health. Living in the suburbs offer a slower pace of life that can help keep stress at bay and improve overall well-being. The peaceful environment is especially beneficial for parents looking to create a nurturing atmosphere for their children.
Stable Real Estate Investment
Suburban homes often offer a more stable investment compared to their urban counterparts. While city property values can fluctuate a great deal, suburban real estate tends to hold its value better over time, making it a safer bet for investors.
Access to Quality Healthcare
Many suburban areas are home to high-quality healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics and pediatric services. Easy access to these healthcare resources is a significant advantage for parents, ensuring that their family’s medical needs are met without the hassle of navigating crowded city hospitals.
Child Development
Suburbs provide an excellent environment for children to thrive, with access to better schools, extracurricular activities and safer spaces to play. The focus on family life in the suburbs often means there are opportunities for children to learn, grow and succeed in life easier than they would if they lived in a busy city.
Easier Access to Childcare
Childcare is often more accessible and affordable in suburban areas compared to urban centers. The availability of quality daycare centers, after-school programs and babysitters in the suburbs makes it easier for working parents to manage their schedules.
Focus on Health and Wellness
Living in the suburbs often promotes a healthier lifestyle, with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking and community team sports. The emphasis on wellness in the suburbs encourages families to lead more active and healthy lives than they would with city living.
Future-Proofing for Family Needs
Finally, many parents move to the suburbs as a way to future-proof their living situation. As children grow older people look for more space where everyone can have alone time and be closer to better schools and colleges. Moving away from the city ties in with families planning for the future, ensuring that they are well-positioned to meet the needs of their children.
5 Canadian Provinces Predicted to Thrive in the Next Economic Boom
To thrive in an economic boom, a region needs good infrastructure, talented people, government policies that support growth and uplift the economy, and a culture of entrepreneurship. Often, the demography can also be a significant indicator of a region’s economy in the next few years. Although reports may vary on which regions will perform the best economically, certain regions come up on every list. Here are 5 Canadian provinces predicted to thrive in the next economic boom:
5 Canadian Provinces Predicted to Thrive in the Next Economic Boom
