Downtown vs. Suburban Living: Which Is Right For You?

Downtown and suburban living offer distinct lifestyles, each with its own set of advantages and charms. Deciding between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and priorities.

 

Cities generally offer more choices, especially for dining, shopping, and entertainment. An in-demand downtown district like Brickell in Miami has premium nightlife, green spaces nearby, and the bonus of incredible beaches within driving distance. Those who work in a city center have added incentive to make their home within walking or biking distance. You might also be persuaded to live in a place like Miami for its sophisticated art scene, five major sports franchises, and private schools and universities.

 

The cons of city living are few but significant, and they begin with a higher cost of living. For example, Miami city dwellers can expect to pay 21% more than the national average for overall expenses. The cost of housing is about 50% higher and figures to rise in the coming months as the Miami market heats up. If you rely on a car to get around, you will likely encounter heavier traffic near city centers, though public transportation can mitigate such issues.

 

Suburbs have become increasingly prevalent as sprawl accumulates outside major metropolitan areas. Since the 1950s, the suburb has been seen as the ideal family environment, a trend that continues today. A recent study found that slightly over half of U.S. households describe their neighborhood as suburban. Two main advantages of suburbs are more affordable housing and more space everywhere — in houses, at parks, and even on sidewalks. Of course, space can be a disadvantage: those living in the suburbs tend to be farther from urban amenities. And the newest suburbs come with some degree of uncertainty as to how the neighborhoods will take shape over the years.  

 

If you’re deciding between a city and a suburban neighborhood, you’re in the right place. An excellent agent like those at Freebird Real Estate can keep you informed and help weigh your priorities in lifestyle, budgeting, commute time, family size, and more. Do you want to know the qualities that differentiate, say, South Broward real estate and Coral Gables homes for sale? Keep reading to learn more about your options for city and suburban living.

 

Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach are all distinct urban environments along South Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Though Miami is the heavyweight of the bunch, each of the cities is on a rapid growth trajectory. Their real estate markets, however, are not interchangeable.

 

As of May 2023, the median single-family home price in Palm Beach was $622,500. Boca Raton is semi-suburban and has a higher proportion of ultra-luxury homes, with about 50 properties listed at $10 million and above. Meanwhile, Broward County (home of Fort Lauderdale) is amid an inventory spike that bodes well for area buyers. If you prefer urban living at a smaller scale than Miami, ask your agent to look for luxury homes in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, or Palm Beach. 

 

Of all cities in South Florida, Boca Raton stands out as a modern blend of urban and suburban. In a study of 912 American cities, Boca Raton ranked 12th in urban-suburban balance. Criteria included lifestyle, access to amenities, transportation options, home prices, housing affordability, commute times, and business opportunities. Boca Raton stands out for its reliably excellent weather, quality public schools, beaches, parks, and golf courses. It also has a booming downtown subject to new developments sure to draw interest from out-of-state buyers.

 

Do you prefer a more suburban lifestyle but don’t know where to start? South Florida’s cities get the most publicity, but the region also has quieter areas perfect for remote workers, retirees, families, and anyone looking to migrate south. The following locales each bring unique qualities to the table. 

 

There are communities throughout South Florida where the line between urban and suburban blurs. A prime example is Coral Ridge, just outside Fort Lauderdale. Coral Ridge has all the convenience of a city center, enough beach and park space for families to play, and streets quiet enough to cruise on golf carts. Golf and tennis are the hobbies du jour, while families can send children to excellent schools like Bayview Elementary and Pinecrest. Luxury properties in Coral Ridge include waterfront estates and family homes beginning in the low seven figures.

 

South Florida also contains several outlier communities that can’t be described as urban or suburban. Las Olas Isles is truly one-of-a-kind, a seaside boating community at the height of luxury. Its six constituent “islands” are only a mile or so east of downtown Fort Lauderdale yet feel worlds apart. Real estate is at a premium here, so consult your trusted agent if interested.

 

Davie has a rich equestrian heritage and exudes a rustic atmosphere. With picturesque horse ranches and trails, Davie offers a rural charm that attracts those seeking a more country-like setting. The town's proximity to prestigious educational institutions contributes to its academic reputation and enriches the community with an intellectual atmosphere.

 

Renowned for lush landscapes and family-friendly neighborhoods, Plantation homes for sale provide a welcoming suburban environment for residents. The city takes pride in its well-maintained parks, offering ample green spaces for outdoor activities and community events. Plantation's commitment to education is evident through its excellent schools, making it an appealing choice for families. The city also offers diverse shopping options and dining establishments catering to various tastes and preferences.

 

We have seen how you can live different lifestyles in South Florida. Cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach offer urban amenities with varying intensity. Boca Raton is a mellower urban environment with suburban characteristics and some of the most luxurious residences. You can also make a home in smaller communities like Coral Ridge without forsaking city life.

 

Now that you’re more familiar with South Florida real estate, you might feel compelled to investigate further. If possible, visit your chosen neighborhoods and talk to any locals. These conversations usually give you a better understanding than any online research.

To that end, working with a trusted local agent is the best move you can make. With decades of hands-on South Florida real estate experience and knowledge, the experts at Freebird Real Estate are the perfect choice when you need to buy or sell a home. Reach out today to discover how they can help you achieve your real estate goals!