It’s a question that is as much about personal preference as it is about practicality. To help you narrow down on an answer, here is a look at some of the pros and cons of each option.
Commute Times
You will find the best of what Dallas, and any other city for that matter, has to offer downtown and in the inner city. From job stations to entertainment spots of all kinds, you will find it all in the town. That there is an excellent public transportation system in place helps with moving around within the city.
Choosing to live in the suburbs will mean spending more time on your commute to the city, be it for work or leisure. That hour or so you spend trying to beat the traffic to get to your destination is the time that you could very well spend on doing other things.
Social Life
As stated, the city has more to offer for the social butterfly in you. Think restaurants, nightclubs, music events, theatres, amusement parks, and a host of other social amenities, and you can be sure you won’t find too many of these out in the suburbs.
The city is, without a doubt, a center of activity. However, with the enormous population numbers in the city, you can sample and enjoy all its offerings for a very active social life while maintaining a level of anonymity.
On the other hand, if you are all about living a relatively quiet social life and being a part of a close-knit community, then the suburbs are definitely for you. Everyone knows Joe from down the street in the suburbs, and you will never miss someone to give you a friendly smile.
Opportunities For School And Employment
There are certainly more schools, private and public, within the city. You can have your pick of what may be the best fit for your kids. The same goes for employment opportunities, giving you a lot of flexibility regarding changing jobs as and when you may wish to.
Not so much with the suburbs, where you will find only a handful of schools and limited job opportunities. For this reason, you may have to contend with the long commute to work and school every day.
Property Sizes
Houses in the suburbs are comparatively bigger, with more outdoor spaces where you can enjoy a game of catch with the kids and family dog or have some friends over for a BBQ.
However, as this downtown Dallas apartment suggests, you still have plenty of options as far as apartment size goes. First, of course, you will need to match the asking price per square foot, which, among other factors, will depend on what part of town the apartment is found.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living spaces aside, it’s generally accepted that life in the city is a little more expensive than in the suburbs. Daily expenses such as food, fuel, child care, and the likes cost more in the city. Therefore, you will need to exercise discipline and stick to a budget if you hope to save while living in the city. On the other hand, life is relatively cheaper in the suburbs, and you can effortlessly meet your saving goals.
Security Matters
The crime rate in major cities is generally higher compared to that in the suburbs. Household burglaries and the likes are not very common in the suburbs, and residents are always too willing to be a part of the community watch program.
If you choose to live in the inner city, you will need to be extra vigilant not to fall victim to the different kinds of crime. However, it is always worth pointing out that the security level and any concerns will depend on the specific neighborhood you move into within the city.
As highlighted, there is a wide range of factors to consider when living in the city and the suburbs. Looking at the outlined pros and cons with an open mind should help you come to a choice that is just right for you.
