For some, the suburban neighborhood is the very picture of the American dream, with all of its white picket fences and chain restaurants.
A happy medium between the city and the country, there’s no doubt that there’s a major appeal to life in suburban neighborhoods. Although it seems like a modern construct, the word suburb first came into use around the 14th century (in English, anyway).
However, it’s obvious that suburbs have taken a sharp pivot now that we’re squarely in the 21st century, and are now very much changing the way people live, work and play.
How is “suburban” defined, and what are suburban neighborhoods?
There has been a lot of controversy over the years about what exactly constitutes a suburb. But at its most basic definition, a suburban area is considered the “outlying part of a city.” They tend to be close to a major city, but not in the mix of high-rises and other such metropolitan buildings.
Some argue that suburban neighborhoods can’t have the same city address as the major metro area in question. For example, a house with a Los Angeles address (even if it’s a 15-minute drive from LA proper) is not considered by some people to be a suburb, but Pasadena is because it has a different name.
Others say that only the immediate and central city portions should be considered the urban area. At its core, though, most people agree that in many cities, suburban neighborhoods are almost totally residential in nature, with a smattering of businesses available to provide goods and services to locals.
Pros of living in suburban neighborhoods
The many benefits of suburban life are what make it the most popular of all neighborhood types, especially for families and people who crave the right balance of space and convenience.
Suburbs are more affordable than the metropolitan area
One of the main reasons that a lot of city dwellers move to the suburbs is to save some much-needed cash. Rent in cities is generally much more expensive than for a similarly-sized unit in the suburbs. So, signing a lease outside the city gives the typical renter more square footage for their buck.
Properties tend to be larger in the suburban areas
Apartment properties in the city tend to be more henpecked by surrounding buildings than in suburban neighborhoods. As a result, it’s more common to see sprawling communities with pools, tennis courts, larger units and other amenities in the ‘burbs.
More greenspace
It’s pretty tough to make a tree grow in concrete. A lot of people who want more access to nature choose to live in the suburbs, as many of these communities have landscapers on site to keep everything lush, green and pleasing to the eye.
Suburban neighborhoods are generally healthier than the city proper
Along similar lines, it’s easier to be physically active when there’s plenty of grass and courts and such to choose from. Suburbs also tend to have much lower air pollution levels than their urban counterparts, making such areas ideal for sensitive people, like those with asthma.
The suburbs might be safer than major cities
Although experts long touted that urban areas are safer than suburban or rural spots, the tide seems to be turning. In fact, violent crimes in cities are on the rise, whereas suburban crime has remained the same.
Suburbs are more family-friendly than large cities
Suburban neighborhoods typically have more playgrounds, daycare facilities and other child-friendly options to choose from. Public schools in the suburbs are also in general of higher quality, largely because suburbs are often wealthier than cities, which translates into more tax dollars for local education. Suburbs also tend to be quieter, as there are fewer ambulances and honking cars keeping kids up at all hours of the night.
Despite all of these compelling pro-suburb arguments, there are some downsides to consider, too.
Cons of living in a suburban neighborhood
Many urban dwellers would rather eat paint than move out to the suburbs. Maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but here are a few reasons why suburban living isn’t right for everyone.
Commuting can be an issue for suburban residents
People appreciate the abundant space of the suburbs, but unfortunately living in one can put a person quite a distance from work because fewer job opportunities live in suburban areas. This often results in a painful, traffic-ridden and costly (in terms of gasoline) commute.
Many suburbs are more cookie-cutter than the city center or rural communities
A lot of people prefer the stores and eateries that have been around for generations in cities, to the chain alternatives so often found in the suburbs. That’s not to say that it’s impossible to find a mom-and-pop shop in the ‘burbs, but they are less common.
Suburban neighborhoods are less walkable than big cities
In most suburbs, a car is a necessity to get around. In cities, however, a combo of public transit and walking is more than sufficient. Many people see the lack of car-related expenses (the car itself, insurance, parking and gas) as justification for paying more in rent every month.
There’s not as much to do in a suburban area
Cities definitely corner the market on entertainment options, especially fun things to do within walking distance. Most concerts, sporting events and other fun venues are often found within city limits. Suburbs tend to have more generic entertainment options when compared to densely populated cities, such as movie theaters instead of live entertainment venues.
Popular American suburban neighborhoods
Some suburban neighborhoods seem to go the extra mile for residents, making them very popular places to call home. The state of Pennsylvania, in particular, has a lot of representation on this list, with its suburbs of Chesterbrook, Penn Wynne and Ardmore topping Niche’s list of the most beloved suburbs. All of these ‘burbs boast pretty small populations, but with plenty of restaurants, bars and entertainment to keep everyone happy. They’re also fairly affluent and have below-average crime and excellent schools.
The midwestern suburb of Carmel, Indiana, also regularly lands near the top of popular suburb lists. Although it’s larger than those Pennsylvania suburbs with more than 100,000 people, it boasts a low crime rate, affordable housing and a general awesomeness factor that people seem to love.
Moving out west, the Los Alamos suburb in New Mexico is ideal for people who are less focused on nightlife and more interested in abundant nature exploration opportunities like the area’s many parks and hiking trails. Like the other popular suburbs on our list, it also has serious bragging rights when it comes to great schools and low crime rates.
Suburban living isn’t the only option, but many residents love it
Although some people shudder at the thought of living in suburban neighborhoods, others are drawn to the many undeniable benefits they afford. To dwell in urban neighborhoods or suburbs (or even a rural area!) is a personal choice. Although no situation is likely to be 100 percent perfect, here’s hoping you come close! Start your suburban apartment search here.
Source: rent.com