Figuring out the best place for your family to live can be difficult. There’s a lot to consider, from property values to nearby schools, so it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons of any particular area you’re interested in. If your options include a city or suburb, you’ll want to look closely at the advantages and disadvantages specific to your family and each area. We’ve discussed the many things we love about living in downtown Memphis before, but the suburbs have a great deal to offer, as well! Let’s explore some of the benefits that come with suburban living.
Room to Grow
City living can be exciting, but one area where it’s often lacking is space. Living in the suburbs means more indoor and outdoor living space, so your family has extra room to breathe and grow! Unlike the close quarters that come with urban areas, you’ll enjoy more distance between you and your neighbors, a home with additional bedrooms and bathrooms, and a lot more privacy.
You’re also likely to have a sizeable backyard in the suburbs, giving you the perfect spot for entertaining and being together with your family. It’s hard to swing a jungle gym, pool, or patio if you’re in an apartment or condo, but a suburban home makes all this possible—and more!
Get More Bang for Your Buck
Making a move to the suburbs isn’t necessarily cheap, but when it comes to features and simple square footage, you’re generally going to get a lot more bang for your buck. The average price per square foot in the surrounding areas tends to be less than its neighboring city, so if space is a top priority for you, your dollar will stretch farther in the suburbs. For families looking for a larger home with more high-end features at an affordable price, heading for communities outside the city can be the right move.
Peace and Quiet
There’s no doubt about it—city living is loud. NYC isn’t the only city that never sleeps! Most urban areas are full of hustle and bustle 24/7, whether it’s honking cars and frequent sirens or thin walls and noisy neighbors. Many urban dwellers love that energy, but the suburbs can be a calmer, quieter option if you're tired of the constant cacophony. Even hip suburbs with a lively social scene and some urban amenities tend to be more mellow than a busy city center. For couples and families yearning for a bit of peace and quiet, the ‘burbs could be the best choice.
Safer Neighborhoods
We’ve seen many types of crimes decrease in urban areas in recent years. However, major cities are still prone to higher rates of property crime, household burglaries, theft, and violent crime than the surrounding suburban areas. Safety is one of the most common reasons people give for leaving the city and moving to the suburbs, as you’re simply more likely to encounter crime where you live in an area with more people! Fortunately, the Mid-South boasts some of the safest suburbs in Tennessee, including Germantown , Collierville , and Bartlett.
More Convenience
Densely packed cities will generally have a lot of businesses close together, with plenty of public transport and opportunities to walk from Point A to Point B. That doesn’t mean city living is always convenient, though! Buses and trains can be unreliable and fighting your way through crowds every day is enough to make anyone cranky. If you drive, there are congested city streets to navigate and that’s before you get into the limited (and expensive) parking situation.
Suburbs, on the other hand, offer many of the conveniences of big city living without all the hassle. Memphis suburbs allow families easy access to a wealth of shops, restaurants, and other amenities, many within walking or short driving distance. If you’re craving some big-city energy, you can get downtown in about half an hour. On a related note, nearly two-thirds of workers in Memphis suburbs have a commute time of less than 30 minutes. Whether you work or play in the city, it’s simple to enjoy those vibes for a while, then kick back and relax in your spacious suburban home.
Highly Rated Schools
There are some great schools in major cities, but many suburbs boast several top-rated public and private schools. These highly rated school districts are one of the main draws for urban families looking to relocate to suburban areas! Schools in the suburbs tend to have less crowded classrooms and more teachers per school. Since children will often attend school with neighboring kids, socializing is a natural side effect, making play dates and after-school activities easier to arrange. Living near families with similarly aged children also helps parents make friends with their neighbors!
Enjoy Memphis Suburb Living with The Judy Mac Team of Crye-Leike Realtors
In the Shelby County region, there are six main suburbs surrounding Memphis: Millington, Bartlett, Lakeland, Arlington, Germantown, and Collierville. City amenities aren’t far away since each municipality is easily accessible off major highways, but staying close to home is hardly an issue—all of these areas offer good schools, ample shopping, and plenty of other amenities for every family!
If you’re thinking of making the big move to the ‘burbs, your first stop should be speaking to a real estate expert who knows their stuff. The JudyMac team has over 40 years of experience in the Memphis area and can help you figure out exactly which suburb would meet your family’s needs. We’ll also advise you on collecting all the information and documents you need, connect you with local mortgage professionals to help you understand your assets and financial state, and work with you and your lender to determine a reasonable budget for the perfect home!
Whatever you’re looking for from suburban living, we can help make it happen. Judy McLellan and The JudyMac Team of Crye-Leike Realtors has the integrity, professionalism, skills, and expertise to handle your real estate needs, both in the city and outside of it. Get in touch today to learn more about everything we have to offer!
