To live in a Rural, Suburban or urban area, that is the question. When you're thinking about moving to a new location, you need to think about the rental and the area in which it is located.

Each type of area — rural, suburban and urban — has its merits. In this article, we are going to deep dive into what it's like living in a suburban area. We will touch on rural versus urban areas, as well.

So, let's jump in so you can decide if renting an apartment or home in a suburban area is right for you.

What is a suburban area?

When you think of “the burbs," you may picture a housing community outside of the city center and full of tree-lined streets and charming houses sitting side-by-side. While this is a little cliche, the general idea is accurate.

Suburban areas are generally more residential, have less dense populations and are located farther from the city center itself. Here is how the Census Bureau defines each type of area.

Rural area

Rural areas are defined as areas with open countryside and fewer than 2,500 people. Rural areas are small towns with a less dense population, typically located in areas with more open spaces and fewer commercial buildings. Rural areas have less expensive rent but fewer amenities and activities.

Suburban area

Suburban areas are kind of like a hybrid between rural and urban areas. They are more populated than rural communities but less crowded and populated compared to urban areas. Suburban areas are also closer to the main city center or urban area.

Metro or urban area

Urban areas or metro areas are your large city centers. Think San Francisco, Chicago or Manhattan. Those are large, metro areas comprised of both residential and commercial areas.

For a city to be considered an “urban area," it must have a population of at least 50,000 people or more or have “urban clusters" with a population between 2,500 and 50,000 people, according to Census Bureau information.

The exact definitions and delineations between rural, suburban and urban are muddy. However, you can easily think of rural as the smallest type of town, urban as the largest and suburban somewhere in the middle. It's the Goldilocks of city sizes and areas.

11 qualities of a suburban area

Now that you understand the difference between rural, suburban and urban, let's dive into some of the things that distinguish a suburban area. Depending on the person, these qualities could be upsides or downsides, but we will let you be the judge of that.

1. Space

Because you aren't located in the heart of the city, you'll generally have more living space in a suburban area. If you rent a home or townhouse, you'll likely have a yard and patio of your own to enjoy. If you rent an apartment, you can probably find larger apartments for a more reasonable price compared to an apartment in the city itself. Living in a suburban area, you're likely to have more space in which to spread out.

2. Located near common amenities

Living in a suburban area, you'll be near common amenities, like grocery stores, coffee shops and gas stations, but you may not be within walking distance, as you would in a city. Because things are more spaced out in a suburban area, you're close to amenities but may need to catch a bus or take your own car. Not everything is within walking distance in a suburban area.

3. Larger houses or rentals

In a suburban area, you have more real estate to work with. This means that the houses and apartments are generally larger in suburban areas compared to the metro area. You might be able to find a two-bedroom apartment that is comparable in price to a one-bedroom or studio in the city. You're farther from the city but you'll find more space for your dollar amount.

4. Close-knit community

When you're in a suburban area, you're part of a neighborhood. This means you'll likely be a part of a close-knit community where you know and love (or hate) your neighbors.

However, you're not too close, literally, that you can't have your own peace and quiet. If you're looking for an area where you'll bond with your neighbors, a suburban area might be right for you.

5. Medium-sized population density

If you're looking for a place to live that is populated but not overcrowded, a suburb is a good bet. You'll definitely be around more people compared to a rural town but you aren't on top of each other like you may be in a city. Suburban areas are known for their medium-sized population density.

6. Peace and quiet

For some, the constant motion in a big city is appealing. However, if you are looking for a more relaxed vibe, consider a suburb. As we mentioned, you'll still have a lively neighborhood, but it's more quiet and serene compared to a place like the Big Apple.

7. Less crime

Typically, suburban areas experience less crime per capita. While crime can happen anywhere, it's more likely to occur in an urban area. You can check out the state of safety in your area before you move to a location to understand the rate of property and violent crime.

8. Higher cost

Because you're getting more space in a suburban area, you'll pay more compared to rural areas. You also might pay more for a home compared to an apartment, but, you are getting more bang for your buck. Urban rental prices can be quite expensive as you pay a premium for your location in the heart of a city. Make sure to find a rental you can afford before signing a lease.

9. Longer commute

When you live in a big, urban area, you can rely on public transit or easy walking commutes to get from location A to B. However, in a suburban area, you are farther away from downtown. So, if you work in the city itself, you may spend more time commuting than if you lived in the city center. Take the commute into consideration before you make a move.

10. Fewer jobs

Suburban areas may have fewer job openings compared to downtown, urban areas. However, if you are willing to commute, you can find several options for work nearby.

11. Farther from cultural landmarks

One of the perks of living in a big city is your access to cultural landmarks and activities. Most cities have museums, historical landmarks, concerts, plays or other cultural events that take place daily. While you can still enjoy these amenities while living in a suburban neighborhood, you aren't as close to them as you would be living in the city itself. But, plan a date night and you can still enjoy these cultural attractions on the regular.

Find your next rental in a suburban area

Have we convinced you that suburban life is right for you? At a high level, you'll have more space and more privacy. However, you may miss out on the walkable nature of living in a city center.

Take a tour of your prospective apartment or rental and the surrounding area in the suburb to see if the whole situation is a good fit for you. Then, begin your house hunt and find the perfect new place to call your own.

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