Many people decide to relocate from the suburbs to the city each year, and the reasons for doing so vary.
Gen-Z and Millennials may relocate to the city for the nightlife. Established professionals may choose to relocate to the city in order to be closer to their workplace. Empty nesters may relocate to the city in search of smaller living quarters.
Whatever your reason for wishing to leave the suburbs, International Van Lines’s experienced movers can help you decide if moving to the city from the suburbs is suitable for you.
Reasons why people relocate to cities from the countryside?
When opposed to the suburbs, living in the city is a completely different experience. For people of all ages, city living is loaded with opportunity and options, with easy access to transportation, jobs, entertainment, food, and activities that are not as readily available in outlying regions.
The following are some of the most common reasons why individuals opt to live in the city:
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Closer To Work
Many people who live in the suburbs and exurbs around major cities despise commuting. While not all jobs are situated in city centers, and there are plenty of chances for trade outside of city limits, many company headquarters remain in major US cities. Because they have shorter commutes, city dwellers have more time each day to devote to hobbies and other activities rather than travel. For other people, the time spent driving to and from work could be better spent at the gym, cooking dinner, reading a book, or just sleeping more. Residents of the city may experience less stress and greater satisfaction as a result of this reallocation of commute time.
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Closer To Entertainment
City dwellers appreciate the fact that there is never a dull moment. Residents expect easy access to popular nightlife areas, restaurants, marketplaces, museums, theaters, athletic events, and more when they live in a major city. A lot of these sites may be within walking distance of city inhabitants, further improving accessibility.
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Cultural Awareness
People of many nationalities and cultures come together in the city, and many choose to share their culture with the rest of the community. Authentic meals, specialized shops, and people who share similar beliefs can be found within the varied city communities. People who relocate from the suburbs to the city have the opportunity to experience new things, such as learning about different cultures and ways of life.
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Neighborhoods that are easy to get around
Many residents who relocate to the city from the suburbs cite walkable communities as a key reason. Walkability provides for more everyday contact with neighbors, increasing the sense of community within the city and having quick access to resources and activities. Residents who live in a walkable neighborhood may be able to travel to the city without having to buy a car. This can help you get in better shape while saving money and protecting the environment.
Things to Think About When Relocating to the City
Moving to the city may appear to be a no-brainer, especially for those anxious to go out and try new things. It’s important to note that living in a big city is not the same as visiting.
Prospective city dwellers should be familiar with the following before coming to the city from the suburbs:
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Increased Auto Insurance Premiums
Despite driving fewer miles, city dwellers who keep their cars pay more for auto insurance than those who live in the suburbs. The cost of auto insurance varies depending on a number of criteria. Cities, statistically, have bigger populations and hence more cars on the road, which raises the insurer’s risk. Because cities have higher crime rates than their suburban counterparts, the risk of vandalism or theft is likewise higher. Residents can partially offset this cost by practicing safe driving habits and parking in secure lots whenever available.
Also Read: Things Consider When Moving to a New City
Big City Suburbs
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Parking Issues
Residents in the suburbs are accustomed to finding parking in wide, open lots at grocery stores, on the street, or in their own driveways. When relocating from the suburbs to the city, the availability of economical parking choices decreases dramatically.
- City residents must be prepared to pay for parking at all times, whether at meters or in parking garages.
- In certain cities, even residents have a hard time finding free parking. For example, unreserved parking spaces in New York can cost more than $600 a month.
- Available parking is not always close to a certain location due to the necessity to park in garages or designated lots.
Also Read: New Yorker’s Guide to Moving to California
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Make a lot of noise
When people share space in close quarters, the likelihood of ambient city noise becoming too much for some people to manage on a regular basis grows. Increased car traffic, greater rates of emergency vehicles, and noise from shared walls inside apartment complexes are all new sources of noise to consider when moving to the city from the suburbs. Consider whether the sound of a newborn wailing next door or a neighbor practicing a musical instrument in the middle of the night will be a deal-breaker before making a move.
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Higher Crime Rates
While the vast majority of residents are statistically unlikely to be victims of violent crime, some metropolitan cores may have greater crime rates than neighboring suburbs. While this may scare some potential residents, it is crucial to note that there are trade-offs when compared to suburban living. Residents of the suburbs may face higher rates of theft and property damage than city dwellers.
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There is a scarcity of space
Cities are substantially more densely packed per square foot than suburban areas. The average size of a Manhattan apartment is 747 square feet, about 1,000 square feet less than a comparable house in the New Jersey suburbs. Even renters in suburban areas have square footage on average than city dwellers. In the city, yards and personal outdoor space are prized goods. City residents trade private outdoor spaces for public parks and community centers. The city may not be suitable for those who desire personal space and isolation.
Moving to Big City
Here’s What You Should Do Before You Move To The City
City living is thrilling for those who have opted to follow the bright lights and make the big move, and there is never a boring moment. There are a few things that potential residents should be aware of before packing their belongings and starting the road.
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Living Costs
Some things, like auto insurance, simply cost more in the city. For example, a $5 drink in a suburban bar and grill could cost $15 at an upmarket downtown bar. It’s possible that menu prices aren’t the only difference. Some cities levy additional sales taxes, making a night out more expensive than anticipated.
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Importance Of Square Footage
When compared to suburban homes or flats, city dwellers receive fewer square feet of living space, whether they buy or rent. When relocating from the suburbs to the city, movers must boost their expenses in order to obtain the same amount of room. To make the move more reasonable, you may need to downsize or give up a second bedroom or basement. Prospective city residents will suffer additional costs such as homeowner’s association (HOA) fees and parking costs in addition to paying a premium for living space. When looking for a new home in the city, all of these things must be factored into the budget.
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Get Rid of Unnecessary Items
Many people who relocate from the suburbs to the city discover that downsizing is the most cost-effective solution. Before the transfer, downsizing should be performed, which may entail removing major furniture pieces. There are a variety of ways to get rid of superfluous objects while yet keeping their value:
- Hold a garage sale
- Give items to relatives and friends.
- Move valuables to a long-term storage facility.
- Post listings on Facebook Marketplace and local groups.
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Explore Your Surrounding Area
It’s simple to get lost and look like a tourist in cities with huge public transportation networks. Using public transit is the best way to learn about it. The Department of Transportation in their new site can provide further information about routes, stops, and charges to potential city residents.
Contact International Van Lines
With full-service relocation solutions, International Van Lines can help your city dreams a reality. International Van Lines has movers in all 50 states, so no matter where you want to live, you can count on us to securely deliver you and your belongings there.
