Urban or Suburban?

Deciding whether to buy urban or suburban is a common dilemma for homebuyers; so common, in fact, that they’ve made a television show about it. But it’s true that once you start thinking about having a family, many people struggle with whether or not to head for the ‘burbs.

Here are some of the points on both sides of the question.

 

 

 

 

Urban

- Convenient public transit is a big draw for city dwellers. Some prefer it for cost reasons: why pay for upkeep on a car, insurance and fuel – especially with rising fuel prices - when you don’t have to. Some have more altruistic reasons: why not reduce your carbon footprint by riding the subway.

- For those who work downtown, living there greatly reduces the time spent commuting to and from the office. Suburbanites generally spend one or two hours every day commuting to a downtown job.

- Having a multitude of restaurant and entertainment options is a key draw of the city. When my husband and I first moved to the suburbs two decades ago, the lack of dining options was a difficult adjustment. There are many more dining options in the 905 today.


Suburban

- Typically the suburbs offer more space for your money. With space at a premium in the city, infill projects and vertical living spaces are much smaller than homes in the suburbs. And for those wanting a yard for a pool, a pet or a play-space, the suburbs is a good bet.

- The suburbs, thanks in part to lower population density, generally have a lower crime rate than urban areas.

- Usually you will find more kid-friendliness in the suburbs. More daycare options, more parks, more sport leagues and newer schools are part of the draw. A street with other families is a bonus as well.

One last fact in favour of the suburbs: A study conducted by Brookfield RPS a couple of years ago showed that the average change in house price per minute of driving away from downtown Toronto was $16,200.00. All the more reason to consider the 905. If you want to see what’s available for your budget in the suburbs, give me a call.