Why It’s Better to Live in the Philadelphia Suburbs vs Downtown
Philly is one of my preferred cities. Why is that, Alex? Well, “Philly has always been a second home to me. Our homebuying business has its roots in Philadelphia, my best friend and business partner Jon lives there, and the city is just welcoming.”
But personal preferences may differ when it comes to choosing where to live. The suburban surroundings around Philadelphia offer advantages over those in downtown areas.
Some may agree with this, and others may have a different viewpoint. But as a homebuying company, we generally endorse the suburbs. You may wonder why that’s the case, but by the end of this article, you will know why.
Affordability and Cost of Living
Living in the suburbs is generally more affordable than downtown, and the same is true for Philadelphia. The downtown costs can get significantly higher, making the overall cost of living unaffordable. Here are some aspects that make Philadelphia the winner in this category:
- Suburban homes cost less per square foot compared to the downtown properties.
- Generally, suburbs have lower property taxes than the city, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
- Daily expenses are more affordable in the suburbs, contributing to a lower overall cost of living.
Space and Privacy
In Philly, large properties with yards, driveways, and parking space is a normal scenario. And as you guessed correctly, that is not the case with the downtown area, where high-rise buildings adorn the landscape. The suburbs are the clear winner because of these reasons:
- The suburbs offer a more peaceful environment.
- Suburban homes have spacious gardens that promote family living.
- Suburban homes offer more storage.
Quality of Education
We are well aware that families with children want homes in a decent school district, and Philly’s suburbs present the best-ranked schools. This was one of the reasons several of our friends moved from downtown to the suburbs. Some other reasons also included:
- Suburban schools tend to offer safer learning environments with lower crime rates, thereby contributing to the overall educational experience.
- Suburban districts offer a plethora of extracurricular activities, including outdoor sports and enrichment programs.
Better Commute Options
Although downtown living provides proximity to work and amenities, it often comes with the downside of traffic and limited parking. We have a strong dislike for both of these factors. So, suburban Philly is the clear winner in this category. Suburban residents enjoy:
- Most suburban homes come with driveways, thereby eliminating the need to hunt for parking spaces.
- An excellent public transit system that connects the city.
Safer Communities
While crime rates vary across Philadelphia, the suburbs are often perceived as safer than downtown areas. Suburban neighborhoods have lower crime rates, which can translate into:
- Families often feel more secure in suburban communities.
- Lower crime rates contribute to a sense of well-being.
- Safer neighborhoods are a critical factor in increasing property values over time.
Proximity to Urban Amenities
You might be under the impression that the suburban areas might cut you off from the rest of the world. But that’s not the case in Philly. Most of Philadelphia’s suburbs are a short drive or train ride away:
- Residents have easy access to cultural landmarks, including museums and historic sites within the city.
- Residents also enjoy shopping and restaurants.
Philadelphia Suburbs vs Downtown: The Verdict
So clearly, Philadelphia’s suburbs are the winner. We reviewed lifestyle choices, cost of living, availability of amenities, and several other aspects that determine the overall decision of moving to the suburbs or downtown. But moving to a city depends on your personal preferences, and we are all in support of it. And as we officially declare Philly’s suburbs to be the winner, you might have some research waiting ahead of you to find your winner.
After reading our honest take on Philadelphia’s suburbs and downtown, contact us to sell your house in Philadelphia. The grass is sometimes green on the other side.
