If you're unfettered by a
particular job in a particular locale, deciding where to live isn't as easy as
it may seem. Often, a battle ensues between our heads and our hearts. And the
real estate mantra of "location, location, location" does
nothing to help us decide which location we might prefer – the city, suburbs or
a rural setting.
Whether you think that
life on a farm is right for you or a penthouse view may be more to your liking,
let's take a look at suburban, urban and rural environments to see if we can
shake loose a decision.
Suburban
Ah, the 'burbs. Although
Cicero referred to the hillside homes of Rome's wealthy residents as
"suburbani," the suburban boom exploded in the U.S. during the 1950s,
a by-product of both World War II and the baby boomer generation.
Returning soldiers,
waving their G.I. Bill authorizations (now known as the VA loan), were met by
more-than accommodating land developers, such as William Levitt, creator of the
so-called Levittowns on the East Coast. Since these developments were located
just outside the city, they were typically less expensive for veterans than
renting a home inside city limits – thus their popularity.
By the 1960s suburbanites
made up one-third of the nation's population, according to the History Channel. Today, the trend is
reversed, or so says Time's Leigh Gallagher. She cites the "endless
sprawl" of suburbia as one
of the reasons "more and more Americans don't want to live there
anymore."
The most significant
characteristics of the suburbs are:
Subdivisions.
Shopping malls
A greater population
density and fewer agricultural acres than rural areas.
Examples of suburbs
include Canoga Park in Los Angeles, Bayside in New York and Oak Park in
Illinois. Smaller cities have suburbs as well, such as the many outlying areas
of the Twin Cities in Minnesota.
The suburbs are ideal for
those who want a small-town vibe with big-city amenities, a quick commute to
work in the nearby city, and a yard of their own.
Urban
Urban is a word that
connotes different things to different people. It can mean grunge, crime and
congestion, or it can bring up images of energy, camaraderie and anonymity.
Urban areas are crowded.
In fact, that's part of the definition of a city: An increased density of
humans and their structures make up the urban jungle. The 2010 census tells us
that 82 percent of the country's population lives in urban areas.
A study published in the
journal, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, suggests that all this congestion
plays havoc on a city dweller's internal clock. "The researchers say these
changes to their biological rhythms could lead to more health problems and
shorter lives. The study also found that city living makes us active for
longer and less rested," according to The Independent. Weigh that problem,
however, against the stress of a long commute from the suburbs and it may all
work out in the wash.
Examples of major urban
areas include New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Medium-sized cities include
Fort Wayne, Ind.; Cape Coral, Fla. and El Paso, Texas.
Urban areas are generally
more expensive than rural areas, with higher food, housing and transportation
costs. Cities are ideal for people who crave convenience, proximity to other
people and instant gratification.
Rural
If it's not a city and
it's not a suburb, and there are plenty of wide-open spaces, you are in a rural community. In fact, 98 percent of the United States is considered rural,
yet only 25 percent of our population lives there.
Experts break down rural
areas into villages, with a population between 200 and 800; hamlets, with
populations less than 200 and isolated dwellings with just one or two buildings
for a family – such as a farm.
Rural areas offer
solitude and less crime than you'll find in both urban and suburban settings.
Agriculture is the primary industry here, so if you fancy yourself a rancher or
farmer, this might be the ideal location for you.
Although most Americans
live in cities, most of the world's population lives in rural areas, according
to National Geographic. Rural areas tend to be less expensive compared to urban
and suburban areas.
Examples of our nation's
rural areas include Alpine County, Calif.; Lincoln County, Mont. and
Addieville, Ill.
Deciding where to live has
to do with your budget, your job and the type of lifestyle you're seeking.
Downtown, the lights are
bright and the hustle and hum may be soothing to some. Others crave dark,
starry nights and the sounds of wildlife. Still others want the best of both of
those worlds and choose the spot in between.
Life is full of
compromises and the debate over which offers more - suburban, urban or rural -
will continue. In the end, it all comes down to individual preference.
So, which is right for you? Comment on the blog and let us know! When you're ready to look to buy a home in the area that's right for you, do not hesitate to contact me!
Your Local San Diego Real Estate Expert,
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