Making the transition from living in a large house in the suburbs to renting a small apartment in the city can be daunting. There are a lot of things to consider when making this decision, such as your budget, commute time, and lifestyle. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important factors to consider when making the switch from spacious suburban living to a small city dwelling!
A few years ago there was a mass migration away from the cities as people clamored for space and fresh air to avoid getting sick. Things have changed again and businesses are demanding that people return to the office and as bars, restaurants, and socialization returns to the city ... those urban spaces are once again drawing more people to move to cities.
Unfortunately for many people who chose to move to a city, the transition can be a shock as they find things that are common in the suburbs are precious amenities in urban spaces. So let's take a look at some things you might not consider as well as how to solve those problems!
Limited Or Non-Existent Parking Space
If you have a car in the city, you're going to want to find an apartment that comes with parking or at least has ample street parking. Street parking can be difficult to come by depending on the neighborhood so it's important to research this ahead of time. Some buildings do include parking space to rent but that can be $100 to as much as $500 extra per month and most buildings that have a garage only allow one spot per resident.
One solution though is to park your car at a commercial parking garage nearby but that's often just as expensive and not very accessible. However, if you decide the make the full transition to urban living and don't need a car but still want to keep it for those times when you want to take a road trip, you can find car storage units by searching online. These are similar to storage lockers that you might put your extra boxes and furniture in when you aren't using it ... but designed to house your vehicle instead.
Lack Of Storage Space
This is probably one of the biggest shocks for people moving from suburban living to urban apartments. In a house, you have closets, garages, and even attics for storage but in an apartment, space is limited. The best way to combat this problem is by decluttering before you move and investing in some clever storage that can stack in a corner. Or just like you did with your car, rent an off-site storage unit.
If you do this though, make sure it is climate controlled since you don't want humidity or extreme cold to damage your precious items.
Constant Noise
Another thing that can be difficult to get used to is the constant noise. In the city, there are sirens, car horns, and people walking by your window at all hours of the day and night. If you're not used to this level of noise, it can be difficult to adjust.
There are a few things you can do to help mitigate this issue though. One is to invest in a good pair of earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Another is to find an apartment that is elevated above street level so you don't have people walking by your windows all night long. And finally, try to find an apartment that faces away from busy streets so you aren't constantly listening to traffic noise.
Constant Light
As they say, the city never sleeps and neither do the lights turn off. If you are used to living in a house in the suburbs where it gets dark at night, you might find the constant light pollution jarring. To combat this, you can invest in some blackout curtains or shades to help keep the light out.
You can also try to find an apartment that faces away from busy streets and has trees or other buildings blocking some of the light. And finally, if you work odd hours or are just a night owl, consider investing in a sleep mask so you can block out all the light and get some rest!
Walking Around Might Not Be Safe
This is definitely something to consider if you are used to living in a safe neighborhood in the suburbs. The city can be a scary place, especially if you're not familiar with it. The reality though is the suburbs have their dangers too ... there are just fewer stories about them since there are fewer people.
Regardless, there are certain dangers found in a city that you need to be wary of.
The best way to stay safe is to always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid dark places such as alleyways and when possible take public transportation or ride-share when traveling at night.
When it comes to finding the right apartment, visit the location at night as well as during the day and look at people walking around there. Do you feel safe? Or does your gut tell you it isn't right for you?
Additionally, do some research on the crime rates and make sure it's an area that has a low crime rate. If you don't want to live in the heart of the city, consider looking for neighborhoods on the outskirts that still have easy access to public transportation.
Thing Aren't All Bad Though, City Living Has Benefits Too
Don't worry though. City living has a lot of perks and benefits like quick grocery delivery, ability to meet lots of new people, and exposure to new ideas. Plus, it's nice to be able to walk to bars and restaurants rather than being forced to drive.
Just remember, if you're considering making the move to an urban apartment from your suburban house, there are a few things you need to take into account. But with a little bit of preparation, you'll be just fine!
