Moving to the Suburbs: Is It the Right Decision?

Sometimes, the best way to find peace is to leave the chaos behind.

Ever thought about that? If you're reading this, you're probably toying with the idea of moving to the suburbs, right?

And we get it – the allure of more space, less traffic, and fewer people cramping your style is pretty tempting.

But here's the million-dollar question: Is it really the right decision?

Recent studies show that about 16% of Americans moved from cities to the suburbs in 2023 and 2024.

Families, young professionals, and even retirees are finding comfort in these quieter, more spacious areas.

According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, more than half of people now prefer suburban living over city life.

But just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t mean it’s automatically the right move for you.

When you're thinking about moving to the suburbs, there's a lot to consider. We're talking bigger spaces and bigger decisions.

Sure, you might get more space for less cash, but does that mean you’re ready to trade your quick Uber ride for a 45-minute commute to the office?

And how much you'll miss being within walking distance of a taco truck at 2 AM!

In this blog, we’ll break it all down – the good, the bad, and the "you gotta be kidding me" parts of moving to the suburbs. We’ve got all the info you’ll ever need to make an informed decision.

The Benefits of Suburban Living

Let's start with the good stuff. There’s a reason so many people pack up and head to the suburbs.

Here’s why it might just be the change you need.

More Space, Less Money

If you’ve ever lived in a cramped city apartment, you know how precious space is.

Imagine finally being able to stretch out, have a proper backyard, and park your car without worrying about the dreaded “street parking struggle.”

Moving to the suburbs means getting way more space for your money.

For example, in suburban areas like Plano, Texas, you can fit a four-bedroom house for a lot less than you'd pay for a two-bedroom apartment in Dallas.

If you’re tired of hearing your neighbor’s Netflix marathon through the walls, suburban life might be a dream come true.

A Quieter, More Relaxed Pace

It’s like trading in your “go-go-go” lifestyle for a more peaceful, laid-back rhythm.

Moving to the suburbs gives you a chance to enjoy a slower pace, with less noise, fewer crowds, and cleaner air. There are fewer honking horns and more birds chirping in the morning.

For many people, this change of scenery is exactly what they need.

Plus, it’s great if you’re planning to start a family, as the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere can be helpful for your mental health.

Family-Friendly Communities

Speaking of starting a family, suburban relocation tips highlight the family-friendly vibe of these areas.

Suburbs tend to have safer streets, better schools, and a stronger sense of community.

Want to join a local book club or take your kids to a park without worrying about them getting lost in the crowd? Suburbs can give you that, too.

The best part is that these communities have a good mix of young families, retirees, and everyone in between, so you’ll find your tribe in no time.

Affordable Suburbs for Families

We know what you’re thinking — suburbs can’t be that cheap.

While housing prices vary by region, there are affordable suburbs for families that offer excellent value for the money.

Areas like Overland Park, Kansas, or Fishers, Indiana, offer solid real estate options without breaking the bank.

And you can probably afford a home with an actual backyard for the price of a one-bedroom apartment in some cities.

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The Downsides of Suburban Living

As much as we'd like to sell you on the dream of suburban bliss, there are a few things that could make you second-guess your decision. So, let's talk about what could go wrong.

Longer Commutes – Is It Worth It?

Sure, you’ll get more space in the suburbs, but you’ll probably end up spending more time getting to work.

We all know how terrible traffic can be, and if your office is in the city, get ready for those dreaded morning and evening commutes.

You might get more space, but you’re also trading it for more time on the road.

If you're okay with longer drive times, that would be great. But if you value your time (and let's face it, who doesn't?), you'll need to consider it carefully.

Dependence on a Car

Moving to the suburbs sounds great until you realize you need a car to do just about everything.

Unlike city living, where public transport can take you to the grocery store or your favorite bar, the suburbs rely heavily on personal vehicles.

So, if you're used to hopping on the subway or catching an Uber, you might have to adjust to a new reality of constantly driving.

Limited Social Life and Entertainment Options

If you love being near bars, clubs, or the general excitement of a busy city, you might find suburban life a little boring.

It's not boring in the sense that you can't find stuff to do, but compared to city living, the options are way more limited.

There aren't as many late-night activities, and the nightlife is more "pub" than "party."

For those who thrive in a lively, high-energy environment, this could be challenging.

But if you’re cool with Netflix and chill, then the suburban quietness could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

 

Tired of the city grind? We’ve got the perfect moving experts to help you escape to the peaceful suburbs. Get your free quote now!

How to Make the Move Smooth: Moving Checklist for Suburban Move

If you’re convinced and ready to pull the trigger. Now what?

Here is your moving checklist for a suburban move to keep things as smooth as possible.

• Start early: Begin planning your move well in advance. From packing to finding movers, starting early helps avoid last-minute chaos.
• Get to know the area: Spend a day or two in the suburb you’re thinking about. What’s the traffic like? How far is the nearest grocery store? These things matter!
• Find a moving company: Research moving companies that have experience with suburban relocations. Trust me, it makes life easier.
• Pack wisely: Label boxes, pack fragile items carefully, and don’t forget to pack your essentials bag—because who needs to search for their toothbrush on the first night?

 

Feeling overwhelmed by the moving process? Don't worry; we've got your back! Let us help you with all your moving needs.

Suburbs vs City Living: Which One Wins?

Now, if you're still deciding, let's compare Suburbs to city living.

City living means convenience, tons of things to do, public transport, and a nonstop pace. It’s perfect if you like being at the heart of everything and you thrive on that energy.

Suburban living offers space, peace, better schools, and a lower cost of living. However, it might also come with a longer commute and fewer things to do after dark.

So, what’s the right fit for you? If you value quiet nights, larger homes, and more affordable living, suburbs might just be your new home.

If you’re all about being in the center of action, city life might be the better choice.

Suburban Real Estate Market Trends

If you're seriously considering moving to the suburbs, it’s essential to understand the current suburban real estate market trends.

Housing prices can fluctuate, so be sure to monitor the trends in your target area.

Some suburbs are seeing a huge boom due to people leaving cities in search of more space post-pandemic.

On the flip side, other areas might be more stagnant or less affordable than you'd expect.

Pro Tip:

Research market conditions and talk to a local real estate agent to get a sense of the area.

What’s the Cost of Living in the Suburbs vs. the City?

Let’s talk about the cost of living in a suburb versus city life.

Spoiler alert: suburban living is usually way cheaper than city living.

But, like, how much cheaper?

Well, let's break it down.

Housing Costs

When it comes to moving to the suburbs, the biggest factor that will affect your wallet is probably your housing cost.

In the city, you’re paying premium prices for a small apartment or a cramped condo. But in the suburbs? You can stretch that dollar a lot further.

A decent-sized house with a backyard (maybe even a garage!) is often cheaper than a one-bedroom apartment downtown.

For example:

• In San Francisco, a 2-bedroom apartment will cost you about $3,500 per month.
• In Walnut Creek, CA (a suburb near San Francisco), you’re looking at about $2,500 for a house with a backyard. That’s a huge difference, right?

Utilities

Utilities – water, gas, electricity, etc. – are cheaper in the suburbs compared to the city. Why? Well, suburbs generally have more land and a less dense population, and the infrastructure is a bit more spread out. There's not as much strain on the systems as there is in the city.

Transportation Costs

Living in the suburbs usually means you're going to have to rely on your car to get around. If you’re working in the city, get ready for those gas bills, tolls, and parking fees. Parking in the city? That's another story (and not a cheap one).

So, while gas prices may be cheaper in the suburbs, your commute will be longer, which might add up in terms of time and gas.

And if you don’t already have a car? Guess what? You’ll need one now.

Grocery Prices

Surprisingly, groceries in the suburbs can be cheaper than in the city. This is mostly because suburban grocery stores don't have to deal with the higher costs of maintaining a shop in a dense urban area.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to the Suburbs?

Now that we've discussed the cost of living in the suburbs versus the city let's examine the cost of actually moving to the suburbs.

You’re probably wondering: "Okay, I get that it’s cheaper to live there, but what’s it going to cost me to make the move?"

We’ll discuss it so you can see exactly where your money is going.

Moving Costs

The average cost of hiring movers ranges between $600 and $2,000, depending on how far you’re moving, how much stuff you have, and what services you need (packing, unpacking, etc.).

Packing Materials

Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and all that jazz can cost you anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on how much you need. You can always try to be creative and find free boxes at your local stores.

Transportation Costs

If you're renting a moving truck, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per day. Don’t forget about the gas costs, too! A 500-mile move can easily cost you an extra $50-$100 in gas.

 

Don’t just dream about suburban bliss—move there! Get connected with local movers and make it happen!

Is It Cheaper to Move to the Suburbs?

Now you know what it costs to live and move to the suburbs, but is it really cheaper than the city overall?

The short answer is: It depends.

But let’s make it easy with a simple cost comparison.