Remote work environments and rising rent prices have made suburban living more attractive in recent years. Young professionals are opting for larger homes with more rooms that double as office spaces, which come at a significant discount in the suburbs. Others are moving to look for a slower pace or better access to outdoor space. For many, suburban apartments offer a balance of space, affordability, and style.
Suburban apartments also differ depending on where you live. If you’re looking for an apartment in a suburb of Seattle, WA, you’ll find forested, quieter neighborhoods with homes next to apartment buildings. However, if you’re looking for a walk-up apartment outside New York City, NY, you’ll find a faster-paced environment. Inevitably, there are important trade-offs to take into account before you decide. Below is a complete guide on suburban apartments to help you determine if renting in the ‘burbs is for you.
What is a suburb?
A suburban area, commonly called a “suburb” or “the ‘burbs,” is a moderately densely-populated area surrounding an urban city but still part of the region’s metropolitan area. It’s typically connected to the city center by commuting routes such as trains and expressways. The economies of suburban areas are dependent upon and part of the metro area’s economy. Tina Gomez, the Creative Designer at Stellar Design Interiors, notes that suburban apartments have many perks.” They’re spacious,” she says, “which is great if you have a family.”
Most metro areas have inner and outer suburbs, as well as exurban areas. Let’s dive into what these terms mean.
- Inner suburbs: Sometimes called the “inner ring,” inner suburbs are communities with larger populations very close to urban centers. They were erected in the pre-WWII era and are considered first-generation suburbia. They typically have smaller square footage and lot sizes compared to outer suburban homes but are larger than modern city…