Small town living has plenty of upsides, but many people living in rural or suburban areas dream of starting a new life in a big city. At the same time, there are far more people moving outward than in, with most moving from cities to the suburbs rather than vice versa.
Whether you're thinking about buying one of the houses for sale in Toronto, moving into an apartment in New York City, or a place in any large metropolitan area, there are questions you should ask yourself in order to make the best decision possible. After all, it's going to be very different from what you're used to, with life moving at a much faster pace.
Can You Handle the Noise?
Living in the city can be noisy, with everything from loud voices to construction and garbage trucks. Some people actually thrive on it, but of others, it can be difficult to tolerate, leaving them longing for peace and quiet. Downtown areas in large cities like New York are noisy 24/7. If you have difficulty sleeping without silence, it could be a concern.
Can You Afford It?
Major cities are always more expensive to live in than the suburbs, with places like New York and San Francisco ranking high when it comes to the cost of living. In Manhattan, you'd be lucky to find a one-bedroom for less than $3,000 a month. Utilities are usually higher and so are other basic necessities like food and drink. Of course, there are usually more job opportunities and higher salaries in major cities too, though it might be tough to find one that pays the elevated rent or high purchase price.
The bottom line is, you'll ideally want to have a job lined up before moving to ensure you can afford the higher cost of living.
Do You Treasure Your Personal Space?
If you don't relish crowds and treasure your personal space, it might be difficult to adjust. Whether you're walking down the street or riding a subway, you're probably going to get bumped into frequently, breathed on, and occasionally coughed or sneezed on. Sometimes people do enjoy the hustle and bustle, but you'll want to figure out if that's something you can get used to, perhaps by spending some time in the city you're thinking about moving to first.
Do You Like Getting to Know New People?
Big cities bring many opportunities to meet new people and potentially make new friends or even start a romantic relationship. There are usually people from all corners of the globe, which means you might meet someone you never would have had you not moved from your small town. This is usually a big plus for most, but perhaps for the very introverted it can be perceived as negative.
Do You Have Street Smarts?
If you've always lived in a small town, moving to a big city can be a culture shock in more ways than one. You're bound to come across those who are looking to take advantage of someone new, without a lot in the way of street smarts. While it's something that can be developed, it will be important to have a constant awareness of your surroundings along with a healthy dose of skepticism. You don't want to always assume the worst about others, but you should be able to think on your feet and recognize red flags.
Of course there are many positives that come with living in a big city - as mentioned, better career opportunities and the chance to make friends from all walks of life, endless restaurants to choose from, cultural activities, and much more.
