If you're looking to make a move to the city, one major decision to ponder is where you want to live. Urban areas are right in the heart of the city, while suburban living is often on the outskirts of the city. Today, we're going to compare urban and suburban living in six different categories. Let's get right in!

Home Prices

Urban: Home prices in urban areas are often expensive. This is because they're in close proximity to jobs, school, and work. Additionally, many of the homes offered in large urban areas are apartment complexes.

Suburban: Suburban homes are generally considered to be more affordable as compared with their urban counterparts. Additionally, you can expect to see quite a few single-family homes. 

Traffic

Urban: Urban traffic is typically much heavier as compared with suburban traffic. Take Los Angeles for instance; you may be stuck at a red light for 15 minutes before anyone ever goes. 

Suburban: Traffic outside the big city is typically less congested. This is because there aren't as many jobs, schools or entertainment. Keep in mind, however, suburban traffic may be congested if everyone is headed to work or school. 

Proximity To Work

Urban: Although this depends on where you work, most urban areas are in closer proximity to work. This is because the majority of corporate offices and local jobs are within urban areas.

Suburban: Once again, this varies based on where you work, but most suburban areas are further from jobs. This means that each morning, most people living in the suburbs will commute to urban areas. 

Education

Urban: Neither urban nor suburban areas always have better education systems than the other. However, most urban areas have more public school districts and are closer to major universities. 

Suburban: Suburban areas have school districts, however they may be spread further apart. Depending on where your suburb is located, it may be in close proximity to local universities. 

Resources

Urban: Urban areas are known for having more resources. This includes public transportation, easier access to hospitals, grocery stores, banks and more. 

Suburban: In suburban areas, resources are typically more spread out. This means that errands such as grocery shopping, depositing a check, or visiting a doctor may take longer. 

Entertainment

Urban: One of the largest draws to urban areas is entertainment. Large urban areas are often known for having lots to do. This includes theme parks, tours, festivals, local events, nightlife and more. 

Suburban: Suburban residential areas often are less concentrated with entertainment options. This means that there are not quite as many local activities. If you live in the suburbs, expect to travel to urban areas for entertainment. 

Hopefully, this post has helped you learn a little bit more about the similarities and differences between urban and suburban living. If you are looking to move, use this guide to find the right place that fits your needs.