Apartment in Downtown or in the Suburbs?

Choosing the location of your next apartment is a very big decision. Regardless of what other features the apartment may have, the location of it is, no doubt, the most important feature. Renting an apartment in downtown or in the suburbs is a big decision and each will have pros and cons to consider. There is no right or wrong decision, the choice is really based on what is right for you based on a variety of factors.

How Much Driving Do You Do?

The first thing to consider when making this decision would be how much time you spend driving. Living downtown is a great idea if you work downtown as well but if you work in the suburbs then maybe not a great idea after all. If you work downtown then living downtown as well will save you a lot of gas money and a lot of wasted time in the car each day. A stay at home Mom, on the other hand, with friends living in the suburbs who spends much of her time driving back and forth to play dates, soccer games and parks in the suburbs may not appreciate all the extra driving living downtown will create. If you live in a city known for bad traffic and a long commute this can really factor in to your decision process.

What Kind of Lifestyle Are You Looking For?

Living downtown offers a completely different lifestyle than living in the suburbs. Think about what kind of lifestyle you are looking for when making this decision. Younger, single people or those who like to enjoy the nightlife more may appreciate the downtown lifestyle. Living near nightclubs and bars is great if you are looking for this kind of lifestyle but for those with kids who appreciate a quieter lifestyle, it may not be for you. Living in the suburbs, close to parks and more amenities may be a better fit. Having a family also means considering the surroundings as far as school systems and safety of the neighborhood the apartment is located in. In general, if you are looking for a faster paced lifestyle where you can have easy access to a wide variety of things to do in the evenings and on the weekends then living downtown is for you. Appreciating a quieter lifestyle with a family and kids may mean the suburbs is your best option.

Cost of Living

The cost of an apartment downtown may be quite a bit more than one in the suburbs. Consider how much more you are willing to pay to live downtown when comparing prices. If you work downtown and will be saving a lot of money on gas then paying a bit more may be well worth it. Calculate the amount of gas used on a daily basis and add it up for the year and use this to compare the prices. Living downtown may mean easy access to public transportation as well or you may even live within walking or biking distance to your job.