If you had the opportunity to live in a large, bustling metropolis or a surrounding suburb, which would you choose? Surprisingly, a number of people are faced with this decision every day. Some move because of job opportunities, warmer weather, to be closer to family, or simply for a change of scenery. The reasons to move are as numerous as the options when considering city or suburban living. Whatever the choice, one can be drawn to the luxurious skyscrapers and sweeping city views or the sprawling greenery and family-friendly atmosphere of the suburbs. Whether you're moving around the corner or across the country, considering cost, commute and community may be the most important factors in determining whether city or suburban living is best choice for you. In light of today's economy, cost is one of the biggest factors. in making decisions about where we live. Housing in most metropolitan areas can be very expensive and offers little living space compared to the lower cost of rent and greater square footage in suburban areas. When you rent a studio apartment in the heart of many cities, you'll likely pay as much or more than renting a one- or two-bedroom apartment in some surrounding suburbs. For homeowners, property taxes can also be a determining factor. In Illinois, for example, property taxes are among the highest in the country, and city and suburban homeowners pay top dollar, regardless of location. Additionally, urban areas often face excessive sticker and parking fees, as well as the looming threat of tickets, tows, and occasional car drives. Many suburbs also have assessment and sticker fees, but generally pale in comparison to inn...... middle of paper......lling. Many cities are generally more concentrated and crowded; while suburban areas can offer less traffic within communities and more space for growth and development. Whether you decide to live in the city or the suburbs, the variety of experiences and options that urban and suburban living offers are almost endless. If it's nightlife, entertainment, convenient access to public transportation, culture, diversity, and possibly a higher cost of living, city living might be the perfect fit for you . If a sense of community, more space, better schools, family-oriented entertainment and activities, increased safety, and quieter neighborhoods are more to your liking, then perhaps suburban living is for you . Whatever your preferences and desired quality of life, the decision to stay indoors or outdoors will undoubtedly require a lot of time and consideration..