The Pros and Cons of Living in a City

by Zachary Foust

Moving to a new house can be exciting, especially if you are going to a place that is very different from where you live now. Moving to a new place you don't know much about can be difficult. One of the most significant changes you can make in your living situation is to move from a small state like Delaware to a big city like New York.

People who have never lived in a big city but have always wanted to do so often give in to the allure of city life and end up living in a place with a lot more people and traffic than where they used to live in the suburbs.

Even though many people would like to move to the city, not everyone wants to live there. It differs from living in a suburb or small town, and life moves much faster. Like any other place, living in a big city has pros and cons that you should consider before leaving the suburbs for the city's bright lights.

 

The Pros of Living in a City

Even if city living has drawbacks, it compensates for them with all it offers. Big cities are essential cultural centers with thriving art and music scenes, a more comprehensive range of food options, more places of interest like museums, events like ball games and concerts, and a diverse population that all share the same experience of city life. 

 

The following are the primary benefits of city living:

1. Job Opportunities are abundant.

Given how many businesses are in the towers, it's unlikely that you wouldn't be able to find work in the city. However, finding work that pays enough to cover your higher rent might be challenging. But a city with a lot of businesses will also have a lot of job openings. You're bound to find one you adore.

2. Salaries are usually higher.

Even though the cost of living in the city is high, employers are often willing to pay more. This is why so many people from the suburbs move to the city, where they can make more money and still find cheap places to live. 

3. Public transportation is better.

In big cities, public transportation is an excellent alternative to driving yourself and dealing with traffic and parking. Cities make it easy to get around with trains or subways, buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services. Many forms of public transportation, like the bus and train, are very cheap and can take the place of your car. It is possible to live in most big cities without a car.

4. Airports are close by.

If you have to travel a lot for work, getting to the airport will be much easier if you live in a big city instead of a small town. Instead of paying $20 or more for an Uber or Lyft, you can take public transportation to international airports worldwide.

Living close to an international airport will also give you access to more direct flights, which will get you to your final destination faster.

5. The significant events are in the cities.

People can always find something to do in a big city, no matter what they like. Most cities have lively nightlife, different kinds of food to try, shows, museums, monuments, parks, festivals, sporting events, and much more. If you are a visual artist, a performer, or a musician, there are many ways to join the scene in a big city.

 

The Cons of Living in a City

People who live or work in big cities often know that they can sometimes be inconvenient. There are more people, cars, and neighborhoods in big cities, which can make it harder to get around. 

Here are the main things that are a big problem with living in a city:

1. Living expenses are absurd.

When people think about moving to a city, the higher cost of living is usually the first thing that comes to mind. The cost of living in big cities is usually higher than in the suburbs. 

Rent and utilities are more expensive in big cities. You may also have to pay for parking permits and laundry that you wouldn't have to in the suburbs. In big cities, it costs more for food, drinks, cigarettes, and gas.

2. Space is limited.

Moving from the suburbs to the city almost always results in less living space. Most people in big cities live in apartments, which can sometimes be very small. Having a yard, patio, or other outdoor space is also rare. 

There are homes in big cities, and some of them have big yards. However, they are much more expensive than homes in the suburbs. If you want to live in the city, you'll have to deal with the fact that you'll have to live in an apartment complex with other people.

3. Auto Insurance Premiums are higher.

If you live in the city and need a car, the limited space will make it more likely that you will get into an accident. So, if you live in the city, your insurance will cost more than if you live in the suburbs.

ValuePenguin says drivers who live in a big city pay about $1,000 more for car insurance than the average driver in their state. Ouch.

4. Parking is a hassle.

Compared to the suburbs, finding a place to park in a big city is a big hassle. In the suburbs, people can park in their driveways or on private streets, and most businesses have parking lots for their clients. There isn't always a place to park in big cities. 

On some residential streets, you need a parking permit, which means you have to buy one. On the other hand, free parking streets quickly fill up. Usually, an apartment doesn't have a reserved parking spot, but some do. Also, most businesses don't have parking lots, so you'll almost always have to pay to park on the street, even if it's a few blocks from your destination.

5. Noise.

There is more noise in big cities than in the suburbs. Cities have more people and cars, which makes more noise. Trains and nearby airports with loud planes coming and going also add to the noise. 

Special events like concerts and baseball games can bring more people and noise to a neighborhood. Some downtown areas of big cities are noisy and busy almost all the time. But there are parts of cities that are almost as quiet as the suburbs. There are several quiet neighborhoods all over the city of Delaware.

 

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that there are negative things about living in a big city, but for some people, the good things about city life are much more valuable. If you are thinking about moving to Delaware, it is in your best interest to get help from skilled real estate professionals like Loft Realty. If you’re down to it, give us a call today.

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Zachary Foust

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