It’s no secret that the real estate market is booming across the United States, and much of that interest is in suburban neighborhoods. In fact, a Zillow survey predicted that A Stronger Housing Market Across the Board. Surrounding suburban areas are sure to benefit from this trend, especially as COVID-19 has made remote working and schooling the norm.
If you’re wondering if a switch from the City of Boston hustle to suburban solitude is right for you, here are a few points to consider before jumping into this hot market.
Larger Homes & Yards vs. More Maintenance
The average square feet of a two-bedroom apartment in Boston is around 1,000 square feet. But moving out to the suburbs of Greater Boston area will double that, with many apartments coming closer to 2,000 square feet!
That makes a big difference, especially for those planning to expand their family. Additionally, these larger homes sit on larger plots of land that provide outdoor space that isn’t feasible in most city neighborhoods.
On the negative side, you have to take care of all that space. More appliances, larger units to fully service a bigger home, a lawn to mow, repainting the previous owner’s pea green kitchen… you and your wallet will have to front the costs to maintain the upkeep. Plus, suburban dwellers are often hit with higher property taxes and homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. That can add significantly to your monthly costs and should be carefully considered before making a move.
Peace & Quiet vs. Missing the City Life
Former city lovers often say they chose to move to get away from all the bustle and noise. Sure, traffic and late-night bar-goers can keep you up at night if you’re in a central location – but is it enough to fully relocate?
For some, the answer is yes. The idea of only hearing birds and crickets is an appealing way to unplug. For others, the sounds of silence could leave them craving the energy of downtown living. Take this into consideration when you’re looking at different neighborhoods, and even spend a few nights in prospective areas to fully understand what your new environment will be like.
Better School Districts vs. Zoning Hurdles
While it is sometimes a misconception that city schools are inadequate compared to suburban counterparts, it has historically been shown that suburban schools receive more funding and benefit heavily from the higher property taxes we talked about earlier. This can mean smaller class sizes, better-maintained facilities, and a more appealing workplace for sought-after teachers.
However, it’s important to note that you may not automatically receive all these benefits when you find your perfect suburban home. School district zoning can be strict and, at times, seemingly random. Your home could be zoned in a district different from your neighbors across the street. If moving for better schools is at the top of your list, pay careful attention to zoning lines before you buy.
Suburban Conveniences vs. A Longer Commute
While cities do offer many appealing activities from restaurants to stores to museums, they are often spread out and require a lot of planning to visit. Suburban shopping centers provide the convenience of popular retailers and eateries all in one spot. Ample parking also eliminates a common city headache.
On the other hand, one location that may not be close is your office. Moving out of city limits could mean you’re suddenly battling rush hour traffic and spending more time in your car than with your family. It’s certainly worth a test drive to see if your new route is one you can realistically handle every day.
Ready to Make a Move?
Once you have fully weighed the pros and cons and are ready to make your move, make your first call Pony Express Moving. From the very first consultation to the last piece of furniture placed in your new home, we’ll provide in-depth care and attention to detail, so your relocation is stress-free.
Our skilled local moving team is a part of the community, living and working here every day. We know the ins and outs to help customers with smooth, easy transitions. Plus, we offer a full range of customizable services that allow you to create the moving plan to fit your budget.
