How commuter living offers the best of small-town and big city living
When it comes to weighing up your options for finding a place to live, one of the most often overlooked prospects for people who work in big cities is the prospect of moving to a small commuter town.
Photo by Michael Morse from Pexels
Big cities such as New York, London, and Paris all carry a high cost of living- with sky-high rent and the prospect of ever owning a home seems out of reach.
Most people won’t need to own or rent a home in these cities to be impacted by the high costs of living if they work in major cities. The major cities pack a punch when it comes to career opportunities and the potential to earn a higher income as opposed to both living and working in a small town.
Small towns offer great perks–you will find that with good transport links, they are significantly more affordable than a larger city. Small towns offer a much slower pace of life which can be a welcome change for people who work in larger cities and want to relax and unwind at the end of their working day. They also feel like a much safer space to be–with community living much more possible compared to living in a large city where personal relationships are harder to develop. Kids are more likely to get to play outside, you can park your car in the road without fear of it being hijacked.
Small towns are a great way to build connections with people and to build a reputation. You get the opportunity to shine in a way you wouldn’t get to if you lived in a big city.
That’s not the mention the lower cost of living. In smaller towns, even those located next to major cities, you get a lot more house for your money. For the cost of a studio apartment in the city, you may be able to afford a house with more bedrooms and bathrooms than you know what to do with. Homes have more character, too. So if you’re looking to escape the day in one of Franklin, Tennesse’s Log Homes, or a character property in Essex, then you’re more likely to be able to afford one that’s a little farther out of the major cities. That’s not to mention the prospect of having to deal with lower property taxes.
Without having to contend with hundreds or even thousands of other folk trying to get across town, commuting into the city is actually surprisingly easy as long as you have decent access to the major roads. In spite of the extra mileage, you’ll save time and money on gas. It’s even better if your smaller town has public transportation options like New York or Chicago.
Finally, fewer cars on the road in smaller towns make the air cleaner. There is less stress, fewer distractions, and the opportunity to create lasting friendships due to the slower pace of life and the opportunity to spend more time outside.
So, if you work in a big city and want to put down roots, why not consider moving to a small commuter town?
