Urban vs. Suburban Communities: Which Is the Better Choice?

Struggling to decide between urban vs suburban living? Understanding the difference between urban life, with its cultural amenities and vibrant streetscapes, vs suburban neighborhoods with more space and a quieter environment - will allow you to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle!

Learn more about urban vs suburban living so you can make the right choice for your rental needs.

What Is an Urban Area?

An urban area is typically any residential area situated in a larger city, providing access to nightlife, shopping, and high-end dining, with a central location. These urban communities are often close to bus and train stops in cities with reliable public transit systems, though some people rely on ride-share platforms and taxis.

Plus, if you’re living in an urban neighborhood, you’ll probably find yourself residing in a condo or apartment.

What Is a Suburban Area?

Suburbs are neighborhoods that are quieter and more spread out than cities, often made up of a cluster of residential properties less densely compacted as those found in urban areas. As you can imagine, living in the suburbs looks different from the city with calm, quiet streets and large single-family homes with yards.

Comparing Urban and Suburban Living

If you’re deciding between urban or suburban living, it’ll mostly boil down to personal preference. Take a closer look at a few of the major differences of urban and suburban characteristics.

Location

To get a better idea of location, imagine a major city as the urban area and the surrounding area as the suburbs. A metro suburb offers the convenience of access to major cities, without all the downsides like added noises, crowding, etc. Keep in mind that most businesses set up shop in major metropolitan areas, meaning you could live close enough to walk or take public transit to work.

Space

If you’re looking to be in the middle of all the hype, the urban center is the place for you. But, keep in mind that since it’s where “everyone” wants to be, space will be limited. Smaller apartments and condos are what you’ll typically find in urban neighborhoods, with limited or no parking included.

But, for those who prefer to spread their wings a bit, a suburb might be the better option. If you don’t want to feel like you’re on top of your neighbor or you enjoy having some green space of your own, reconsider the suburbs.

Cost of Living

As previously mentioned, many opt for suburban living as an option to cut cost of living expenses. Thankfully, suburban sprawls offer access to major freeways, making your commute relatively simple, if you’re up for the drive. On the other end of the spectrum, though, you may pay more for rent in an urban area while paying less for your commute/automotive expenses each month. For some, not having to pay monthly car payments, insurance payments, gas, car washes, etc., is enough to make it worth the cost of pricier rent in the city.

Density

When imagining urban density, think of high rise buildings in New York City, filled to the brim with renters each leasing out a couple hundred square feet each. In the suburbs, on the other hand, the density is much lower, with single-family houses lining residential streets. While some people prefer the company of having the hustle and bustle around them, it’s not for everyone.

Pros and Cons of Urban Living

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of urban living to help you determine if it’s the right kind of lifestyle for you.

Pros of Urban Living

Let’s start with some of the benefits you can look forward to in an urban neighborhood:

• Convenient Location: Urban areas are typically situated in the heart of a city's downtown area, providing easy access to key locations such as shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions.
• Transportation Options: Urban living offers a variety of transportation options, including buses, trains, and subways, making it easy to get around the city without the need to own a car.
• Access to Community Amenities: Urban areas often provide access to a range of community amenities such as public parks, libraries, museums, and community centers.
• Employment Opportunities: Urban areas offer close proximity to major businesses, making it easier to find work and advance in your career.
• Cultural Diversity: Urban areas tend to be more culturally diverse, offering the opportunity to experience different languages, cuisines, and customs.
• Vibrant Nightlife: Urban areas are known for their vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues open late into the night.

Ultimately, you have to decide whether the hustle and bustle is worth it.

Cons of Urban Living

It’s always important to look at both sides of the argument, which is why we’ll move on to the downsides of urban living:

• Noise: Urban areas can be noisy, with sounds of traffic, construction, and people at all hours of the day and night.
• Crowded Streets and Sidewalks: The high density of people in urban areas can lead to crowded streets and sidewalks, making it difficult to get around quickly or comfortably.
• Air Pollution: Urban areas often have higher levels of air pollution due to increased traffic and industrial activity.
• Limited Parking: Parking in urban areas can be scarce and expensive, making it difficult for residents to own and operate a car.
• Increased Cost of Living: The cost of rent, groceries, and other expenses tends to be higher in urban areas, making it challenging for people on a tight budget.
• Limited Rental Options: Due to high demand, the supply of available apartments in urban areas may be limited, leading to higher prices and a more competitive market.

Like with anything in life, you’ve got to take the good with the bad (so long as that’s the choice you’ve made).

Pros and Cons of Suburban Living

Next up, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of suburban living.

Pros of Suburban Living

Suburban living is appealing to many, and here’s why:

• More Space: Suburban areas tend to be less densely populated, which means more space for you to spread out.
• Easy Access to City Life: Although suburban areas are quieter and less congested, you can still easily access nearby cities and their amenities, like shopping, entertainment, and job opportunities.
• Peaceful and Quiet: Suburban streets are generally calmer and quieter than urban areas, which can be great if you're looking for a more peaceful living environment.
• Better Parking: Suburban rentals often offer garages or carports that can protect vehicles from harsh weather conditions.
• Lower Rental Costs: Suburban living can be more affordable than urban living, with oftentimes lower rental prices.

Although suburban living offers many advantages, it’s still important to for you consider potential drawbacks.

Cons of Suburban Living

Living in a suburban neighborhood is not for everyone. Here’s why:

• Lack of Excitement: Suburban areas may be too quiet for some people, lacking the excitement and stimulation of urban environments.
• Long Commutes: Residents may face longer commutes to work and entertainment due to the distance from larger cities.
• Limited Public Transportation: Suburban areas often have limited or no public transportation options, which can make it challenging for those without a car to access essential services and amenities.
• Vehicle Costs: With public transportation not always available or reliable, many suburban residents may need to rely on their own vehicles, leading to higher monthly costs for fuel, maintenance, and insurance.

Now that you have a better understanding of the urban vs suburban debate, consider what factors are important to you when deciding where to live during your apartment hunt.

Suburban Neighborhoods within Major Metro Areas

Suburban living has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many major metropolitan areas featuring suburban neighborhoods as an alternative for renters.

New York City

New York City is the most populated city in the United States, which is why it comes as no surprise that there are various suburban neighborhoods within it. The city itself includes several boroughs, each with its own unique essence.

Of the five major suburbs of New York City, the most urban of them all is none other than Manhattan. In terms of more suburban areas, people seek out Long Island or Brooklyn. If you’re looking for a mix of the two, check out rental properties in Queens.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the West Coast New York counterpart, offering various neighborhoods throughout the county. If you’re looking for a good suburban area to call home, consider Woodland Hills, an upscale option on the outskirts of the city for those still seeking out residence in the prestigious Los Angeles city limits. Burbank also offers residents more of a residential feel within proximity to major Los Angeles attractions.

Chicago

Chicago is home to world-famous entertainment and dining options, with countless stops located throughout the city. However, if you don’t want to live in the bustling city limits, you may consider some of the quiet suburbs on the outskirts. Some of our top recommendations include Evanston, Arlington Heights, and even Naperville.

Houston

While Texas has many popular cities, Houston has become very popular over the years. And while EaDo is one of the more popular urban regions within the city, you might opt to check out the small community of Eldridge for suburban living. You can also check out The Museum District, which tends to attract upscale families looking to immerse themselves in the neighborhood’s arts culture.

What About Rural Living?

Rural living might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle if you don’t mind sacrificing amenities. Of course, it comes with its own set of perks, including the wide-open countryside.

Here are a few things to consider before packing your bags and heading to the country:

• Commute Time: Consider distance and transportation options, as longer commutes can impact work and school schedules.
• Access to Amenities: Look at availability of groceries, healthcare, and entertainment options, as limited access can require additional travel and expenses.
• Internet and Cell Phone Service: Research internet and phone service quality and availability, as limited or unreliable connections can impact communication and work opportunities.
• Lifestyle and Community: Consider the quieter lifestyle of a rural area, but be aware of limited social opportunities and cultural events.
• Climate and Environment: Look at potential risks, such as extreme weather, natural disasters, and wildlife, as these can impact your safety and comfort.

Again, it’s all about taking the good with the bad, which means figuring out if the pros outweigh the cons for you in rural living.

Final Thoughts

So now that you’ve seen the head to head competition of urban vs suburban living, what’ll you choose? Again, it’s really up to you and what your rental preferences are. What’s most important is that you’re making the decision for yourself, and not for anyone else.

Ready to start your hunt for urban or suburban apartments? Take our quiz today and find the perfect place for you!