Why It’s Better to Live in the Philadelphia Suburbs vs Downtown
My favorite city is famous for its culture, history, and diversity. However, personal preferences may differ when it comes to choosing where to live. The suburban surroundings around Philly offer advantages over downtown residents.
Some may agree with this and others may have a different viewpoint. But we as a homebuying company always endorse the suburbs. You may wonder why we are pushing for that, 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 that goes for Philly too. The downtown costs can get significantly higher making the overall cost of living unaffordable. As we buy houses in Philadelphia, our team figured out that the suburbs are definitely the winner. Here’s why:
- Suburban homes cost less per square foot compared to the downtown properties. If you are renting or buying, you could get more space for your money.
- Generally, the suburbs have lower property taxes than the city reducing the overall cost of ownership.
- The daily expenses and utilities 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 compared to the hustle and bustle of the city center.
- Suburban homes come with larger yards that promote family-friendly living.
- Suburban homes mean more storage space that is hard to come by in the downtown.
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 why a lot of our friends moved from the 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 extra-curricular activities including a wide range of activities, outdoor sports, and enrichment programs. This is a highly attractive reasons for parents with young children.
Better Commute Options
Although downtown living provides proximity to work and amenities, it often comes with the downside of traffic and limited parking. And we all 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.
- Philly’s suburbs are well-connected through the public transit system such as trains and buses, offering convenient commuting options.
- Suburban roads are less crowded than downtown streets, making driving safer and more pleasant.
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 and community.
- 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 such as museums and historic sites within the city.
- Residents also enjoy shopping destinations and restaurants.
Philadelphia Suburbs vs Downtown: The Verdict
So there you have it folks, a summary of why we believe that the suburbs are the clear winner in this battle. We reviewed lifestyle choices, cost of living, availability of amenities, and several other features that go into the overall decision of moving to the suburbs or the downtown. But as we said before, 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 comparing the Philly suburbs to downtown, you may want to move. Contact Brotherly Love Real Estate to sell your house fast in Philadelphia and start moving. The grass is sometimes green (Eagles Green) on the otherside).
