The Pros and Cons of Living in Suburban Raleigh
Keep these benefits and drawbacks in mind as you weigh your location options in the Raleigh area.
Searching for a new place to call home is full of ups and downs. Sifting through the pros and cons of various locations and home possibilities can be equal parts draining and exciting. For many, living close to Raleigh and the Research Triangle area is non-negotiable. Whether due to the job opportunities or the outdoor recreation options, many families choose Raleigh as their focal point. But what are the pros and cons of skipping city living and opting instead for suburban life?
Cons:
Fewer Accessible Cultural Offerings
Part of the beauty of living in the Raleigh area is the easy access to unique experiences and cultural offerings downtown. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the South,” Raleigh boasts constant performances for every taste. From Broadway productions to jazz nights, music lovers can find events at every turn within Raleigh’s downtown area. Living outside of the city makes attending these events a bit less convenient, requiring additional planning for commuting, parking and similar details. In the same vein, impromptu brewery-hopping or stepping into iconic museums is a bit more tricky in suburban areas outside of Raleigh like Pittsboro.
Tough Commutes
Many people move to the Triangle area because of the educational offerings and the job market in Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Unfortunately, there’s still progress to be made in terms of public transportation and general infrastructure as this area explodes in popularity. Driving into a downtown area from the suburbs often comes with a tough commute that can take up hours of the day and make your new location feel much less convenient.
Fewer Job Opportunities
For those still on the hunt for employment opportunities, sticking to the suburbs can feel restrictive. In general, suburban areas offer fewer job opportunities than you might find living right downtown. Of course, this depends on which suburb you choose and your field of work. Some young professionals strike a balance of affordable living costs and great job opportunities in places like Cary.
Pros:
More Space
Whether you’re longing for a larger yard for your four-legged family members, you’re entering into a multi-generational living arrangement, or you’re planning to bring children into your life, downtown housing can quickly feel cramped. Those who prioritize privacy and hope to engage in hobbies like gardening also tend to find a more fulfilling set of options in the suburbs.
Living in the suburbs allows for more space both inside and outside of the home. In many cases, remote workers opt for suburban living because commutes don’t pose an issue for them, and larger suburban lots and existing homes leave room for features like home offices, recreational spaces, home gyms and more.
Exterior space also holds a place in everyday life for many who live in the Raleigh area. While North Carolina certainly offers a variety of weather patterns and seasons, residents can find days to enjoy the outdoors essentially year-round. From outdoor kitchens to screened patios to swimming pools, having the space to create your personalized outdoor oasis is particularly valuable in the Tar Heel State.
Family-friendly Offerings
For all of the easily-accessible cultural offerings some suburbs lack, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to make up for them. From the festivals and playgrounds in Morrisville to the abundance of parks in Holly Springs, family friendly options are easy to come by in the suburbs. In many cases, suburban neighborhoods offer amenities like sidewalks, parks, slower-moving streets and cul-de-sacs where kids can safely play. Families can also find highly-rated school districts in Raleigh’s suburbs, with districts like Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools topping statewide lists consistently.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor lovers flock to North Carolina to chase waterfalls, go boating, summit gorgeous peaks, and stroll through lush parks. From biking and hiking trails to lake access, many Raleigh suburbs boast a closeness to nature that’s difficult to come by downtown. From the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary to the boat rentals in Morrisville’s Lake Crabtree County Park, nature enthusiasts can more easily access their favorite activities from the suburbs of the Triangle.
The good news is, it’s hard to go wrong with a move to the Raleigh area. The thriving job market, agreeable climate, exciting diversity and growing entertainment scene make their mark both downtown and in the suburbs. The key is to find out which area is best suited to your personal preferences and your ideal lifestyle.
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