Budgeting

Living in the city: Pros and cons

TwitterPinterestFacebook

Discover what you need to know about living in the city

If you’ve grown up in a small town with slow living, you might find yourself wondering what living in the city is like. The same is true if you’re a person who grew up in a suburb or a rural area. Many millennials and young adults are flocking to large American cities like New York City and San Francisco to become city dwellers. However, while learning how to live on your own in a large city or urban area has many benefits it also has some disadvantages.

Want to learn more about living in the city and whether it’s a good fit for you? Read on to learn about living life in the city and how big city living is different than suburban and rural life. 

What’s it like living in the city?

Although major urban areas tend to have larger populations, each city is different. For example, life in Los Angeles is very different than living in a major city in the Midwest like Chicago. However, most urban areas do have several things in common. The biggest thing people notice about living in the city is the faster pace of life. When transitioning from country life, it can seem like people in an urban environment are always on the go.

Living in the city often means that you’ll be much more likely to use public transportation than your own car. Thankfully, most large urban areas have great public transit. Many people who once drove everywhere find that they enjoy reading or relaxing during their public transit commute to work or the grocery store. Public transport is a lifesaver as a city dweller or someone with a shorter commute. 

If you’re moving to a city center, you’ll also notice that real estate is more expensive and the market is more competitive. Homes in popular neighborhoods often cost much more for much less space than you could get in the suburbs or the country. As a result, people who live in hot areas and downtown will be more likely to live in an apartment.

Additionally, with urban living comes more opportunity. Cities are more interconnected to the global economy. As a result, the job market is often better in a city, making it easier to find an open position. Young adults also appreciate that cities offer more opportunities to meet new people, try different activities and explore the latest dining options.

Is living in a city unhealthy?

There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. However, there can be some health disadvantages. 

Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. This could be due to factors like a faster pace of life and higher crime rates. However, spending time in some green space can help improve mood and psychological well-being.

City life can also affect your physical health. Urban areas are known for having more pollution than suburban and rural areas. Studies have linked air pollution to everything from breathing difficulties to obesity and diabetes.

Many people still find that the advantages of living in the city outweigh these potential disadvantages. Plus, it’s important to find a routine, no matter where you live, to help you stay mentally and physically healthy. That way you’ll be able to enjoy your new neighborhood as best you can.

How do you prepare to live in a city?

If you want to start moving out of your parents’ house or your current home in the suburbs or country, you’ll want to take a few steps to be ready.

If you don’t already have a job in the area (or one that will let you work remotely), you’ll want to start the job hunt early. Review online job postings and let people in your network know that you’re looking for work.

Next, you’ll want to do your research about the cost of living in the city where you’ll be moving. Use this information to create a budget for your rent, apartment furnishings, food, and other monthly expenses. This will help you get off on the right foot financially. Answering the question “how much does it cost to furnish an apartment?” will also be very important as you move. 

After making your budget, start learning about the different neighborhoods and housing options, including learning how to find short term rentals. This can help you decide where to live. You can do online research and ask friends and family to learn about the different areas of a city.

Finally, start looking for ways to meet new people. There are great opportunities to make new friends in the city. It might seem daunting at first, but just start by finding activities you enjoy and you’ll encounter like-minded people.

Get settled in a coliving space 

You can make your move to the city easier by renting one of our furnished, coliving spaces with flexible lease terms. Common offers coliving spaces in popular cities around the United States. You can enjoy city living for an attainable price by renting a private room in a beautiful, shared suite with access to a built-in community. Explore our coliving spaces to start enjoying city life today!

Sources:

  1. https://www.moving.com/tips/is-living-in-the-city-right-for-you/
  2. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190816-is-city-life-really-bad-for-you

 

Related posts: