The age-old tug-of-war between suburban serenity and urban buzz still shapes the choices of today’s homebuyers. Dreaming of quiet streets, roomy backyards, and neighborhoods where kids ride their bikes till dusk? Or are you drawn to the culture, convenience, and fast-paced rhythm of city life? For many, it’s a hard call to make.

Both have strong selling points – and definite drawbacks. As remote work reshapes priorities and housing costs continue to push boundaries, many buyers understandably find themselves at a crossroads. Let’s unpack the pros and cons of each:

Why the Suburbs Still Win Hearts

More Space for Less Money

Nationally, the median existing‑home price in 2023 was $389,800 (a record high). While there isn’t a single, authoritative suburban‑vs‑city median, prices in many large coastal principal cities certainly tend to skew higher, and buyers frequently find larger homes and yards at lower price-points in surrounding suburbs.

The state you pick can swing the math even more: shop the cheapest states to buy a home and you find that a typical home in West Virginia runs about $170,000, and Mississippi sits just under $200,000 – both far below the national median. At the opposite extreme, Hawaii’s average home tops $830,000, with California near $786,000 and Massachusetts around $662,000. Simply crossing a state line can add (or subtract) hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Bigger Lots

For new single‑family homes sold in 2023, the median lot size was in the region of 8,400 sq ft (0.19 acres), and 65% of new homes sat on less than 9,000 sq ft lots. Lot sizes are typically smaller in dense urban cores and larger in suburbs and exurbs; custom homes, meanwhile, skew much larger (median 1 acre in 2023).

Family-Friendly Perks & Stronger Schools

Many buyers target suburbs for school options, parks, and kid‑centric amenities. Of course, school quality varies widely, so it’s best to use local sources, such as state report cards and ratings resources like GreatSchools, when comparing districts.

Lower Crime, Quieter Life

In 2022, violent victimization in urban areas was approximately 33.4 per 1,000 residents, compared to 23.9 per 1,000 in suburban areas – about 40% higher in cities.

However, by 2023, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported the rate of violent victimization in urban areas was 29.6 per 1,000 persons aged 12 or older, a rate not statistically different from 2022, but nevertheless on the rise. Suburban and rural areas, meanwhile, showed no notable change from their 2022 rates.

Similarly, property victimization in urban areas rose from 176.1 per 1,000 households in 2022 to 192.3 per 1,000 in 2023, while suburban and rural rates remained statistically stable.

Remote Work Makes It Easier

Among workers whose jobs can be done remotely, 35% worked fully from home in 2023, with many others opting for a hybrid schedule – reducing the penalty of a longer commute a few days a week.

The Downsides to Suburban Living

• Longer commute times (if you’re not remote)

• Car dependence (running errands isn’t usually a stroll away)

• Fewer dining and entertainment options

• Less cultural diversity and variety in some areas

The Case for City Life

Everything’s at Your Fingertips

Cities are built for convenience. A Walk Score study ranks New York, San Francisco and Boston at the top for walkability, meaning you can get to work, groceries, restaurants and nightlife – often without needing a car at all. Add reliable public transit into the mix, and you’re all set.

More Jobs, Bigger Paychecks

Big metros boast a greater concentration of high‑paying sectors (tech, finance, media, healthcare). However, on median household income, suburbs outpace principal cities: $83,230 outside principal cities vs $69,940 inside (and $55,960 outside metropolitan areas). It’s best to evaluate your target industry and neighborhood rather than assuming that the city automatically equals higher pay.

Culture, Nightlife and Nonstop Energy

Cities bundle museums, venues, festivals, and cuisines in one place – a major draw for people who value variety and spontaneity. (Walkability/transit rankings above are a good proxy for easy access).

Less Home Maintenance

City dwellers often trade yards for balconies, opting for apartments or condominiums that come with fewer maintenance headaches; if mowing lawns and gutter cleaning aren’t your thing, urban housing may be your match.

But City Living Has Its Downsides Too

• Higher costs: Housing, parking and everyday expenses tend to run higher in large principal cities.

• Less space: Smaller floor plans and limited storage are common.

• Noise/Traffic: Expect congestion and ambient noise.

• Stress load can be higher: Urban living is associated with higher risks of depression/anxiety, and neuroimaging shows heightened neural responses to social stress in city dwellers (of course, individual experiences vary widely).

What’s Trending Now?

Did Everyone Really Flee the Cities?

Did everyone really flee the cities? The picture is mixed. After the pandemic spike, rents fell year‑over‑year in 2023 but declined more slowly in suburbs, and several big cities have since seen renewed rent growth (e.g., San Francisco +11% YoY in June 2025), signaling a solid rebound in demand – even as affordability remains tight.

Millennials Are Driving Suburban Growth

Millennials remain the largest share of buyers (38%), and research shows a continuing shift toward farther‑out suburbs as they form families and seek space/value.

Hybrid Work = ‘Surban’ Living

Welcome to the middle ground. So-called ‘surban’ areas – like Jersey City near NYC or Austin’s outer neighborhoods – blend the best of both worlds: suburban space with city perks. As hybrid work models persist, these zones are gaining some serious traction.

Which One’s Right for You?

Go Suburban If You:

• Want more bang for your buck in terms of space.

• Are raising kids (or planning to).

• Prefer quiet nights over club lights.

• Don’t mind driving everywhere.

Choose the City If You:

• Love being close to everything.

• Crave culture, food, and entertainment.

• Want access to high-paying or high-profile jobs.

• Are okay with smaller spaces for more action.

Where is Your ‘Sweet Spot?’

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing where to live; your lifestyle, career path and personal preferences will guide you. Some people enjoy the city in their 20s and 30s, then trade it in for the ‘burbs when they settle down. Others find their sweet spot in ‘surban’ areas that offer up a little bit of both. The best tip is to try before you buy. Renting for a while can help you get a feel for the environment. Whether it’s city sirens or suburban silence that makes you feel at home, the right place is the one that fits your unique preferences.