With remote working set to become a lasting trend, living outside of NYC doesn't have to mean a tedious commute every morning. But beyond that, living in the suburbs has a lot of advantages in its own right, many of which might not be so obvious at first glance. Here are six unexpected advantages of suburban living.
1. More Space
Whether through choice or not, we're spending a lot more time at home than ever before. This has given us the time and space (or lack of it) to consider what we want from our homes.
As a rule, the closer you get to the heart of the city, the smaller your living space. And while tiny apartments can be manageable for single professionals or even couples, not having enough room to work from home or park a car can become a problem if you're looking to expand your family.
Those who are looking for more space can find it in the NYC suburbs. The average house size for New York state and Connecticut is approximately 1,800 square feet. Most suburban housing often includes some kind of outdoor space, such as a garden or backyard, as well as extras such as a garage or parking space.
2. Affordability
City-living comes with a high premium that many are willing to pay. In contrast, while suburban living isn't necessarily cheap everywhere in the US, even the best NYC suburbs have more affordable housing options than you can find in the city.
Whether you're considering renting or buying in the NYC suburbs, it’s likely that your budget can go further here, offering more square footage and sought-after features. This makes the suburbs very appealing for many people, but especially first-time home buyers.
3. Less Crowding
Those who have lived in NYC have become accustomed to a constant throng of people, lines and traffic jams. Life in the NYC suburbs can offer an escape from the crowds.
Not only will doctor's appointments and shopping trips be smoother and faster with fewer people to contend with and more parking spots available, but the suburban schools tend to have more favorable teacher-to-student ratios.
4. Sense of Community
Although suburban living means less crowding, the NYC suburbs are hardly rural. You can still have a social life in the NYC suburbs.
Whatever your motives are for moving out of NYC, you can find plenty of like-minded people in the area who have made the same choice for similar reasons. And once you start to put down roots and get to know your neighbors, there'll be no shortage of events and gatherings to attend.
For those of you with children or plans to start a family in the future, this close-knit sense of community can be a very convincing reason to move to the NYC suburbs.
5. Healthier Lifestyle
From air pollution to traffic noise, the city can take its toll on our health, sleep quality, and stress levels. In contrast, suburban living often means a slower, quieter pace of life, with cleaner air and closer access to nature. The community spirit of many suburban areas also ensures an excellent social support system, providing a mental health boost.
6. The City is Still Nearby
Although you might be thinking of moving out of NYC, we understand the draw to be close to its amenities.
The beauty of setting up home in the NYC suburbs is that the buzz of the city is never far away. Many of the towns in Westchester County and lower Fairfield County are all less than an hour from Grand Central by train. This is important for many of those who want to maintain their city job while living in the suburbs. It also means that you can still take advantage of NYC’s lively social scene.
Advantages of Living in the Suburbs
With all of these advantages in mind, it's clear to see that living in the suburbs can give you the best of both worlds. With better housing options, a healthier way of life, and more space, the NYC suburbs provide a sense of freedom that attracts many city dwellers. And you're still close enough to the city to benefit from the employment and social opportunities that NYC has to offer.
For more advice and insights on relocating to the NYC suburbs, contact us today.