City vs The Country vs The Burbs – The Choice is Yours
Often where we spent our younger years is where we believe we will always live. Many who have always lived in the country think they will always live there and never move to the city. If we were born in the city we can’t imagine our life without the hustle and bustle or the family oriented draw of the suburbs.
But life often gives us twists and turns. Where we think we will live often changes due to job promotions or health reasons. Just as our tastes change over time often so does our choice in housing. If you are mulling over whether to live in the city, country or suburbs here are some facts to think about before you choose where to live:
City advantages:
- Close to amenities and easy access to transportation
- Wide variety of jobs available
- Different housing from urban flats, lofts or single housing
- Proximity to fire halls, hospitals and police
- Can often walk to most stores, work etc.
City disadvantages:
- Traffic and construction can be aggravating
- Too many people and downtown can be suffocating
- Job competition can be fierce
- Crime is higher
- Pollution
Suburb advantages:
- Lots of sporting activities for youth and adults
- Far enough from the city but close to amenities too
- Larger choice of housing (condos, towns, singles and semis)
- Easy to get around
- Many parks and recreation facilities at your fingertips
Suburb disadvantages:
- Housing can be closer together
- Commuting to work
- Specific bylaws and municipal regulations can be taxing
- Jobs more available in city centre
- Nightlife or places to eat can be limited
Country advantages:
- More laid back attitude and everybody waves at you
- Peace and quiet, clean fresh air and the beauty of orchards, fields and lakes
- Locking your doors is optional
- Less stress, less traffic and less anxiety
Country disadvantages:
- Technology isn’t always the best (internet, cell phone)
- You have to drive more to get where you are going
- Jobs can be hard to find and may be lower paying unless you have a trade
- If you are a social butterfly, you may find there are not as many things to do
Well, there certainly are advantages and disadvantages to these various life styles. Sometimes you have had enough of the hustle and bustle and people and you just need a quieter lifestyle. Country life has come a long way and now have more accredited hospitals and health care centres at your disposal if you are looking at retiring or looking for less expensive housing.
For those that just need to have people around you all the time; prefer not to drive far or can’t live without your favourite latte, then you should stick to city life. You may want to live in a loft downtown and walk to work and enjoy meeting your friends over drinks. Those who have children may want to be in the suburbs around similar families where sports, recreation facilities and parks are a must have in their lives.
You really need to keep your lifestyle in perspective when choosing your home. You don’t want to be out in the country if you are a social butterfly and you need to have people and stores in close proximity. Nor do you want to feel overwhelmed in a hectic city lifestyle, if you really can’t take the traffic or are just a nature buff. Then perhaps the suburbs or country life would appeal to you more.
The Winch Walton Team can help you make a decision on where you may wish to live. They have experience with housing from downtown Ottawa to Kemptville, Arnprior or Orleans. You need to feel comfortable with your choice especially if you are new to the area. Their years of expertise in real estate can help you decide your best choice of housing.