Urban vs Suburban: Houses In Portland Oregon For Sale
Urban vs Suburban: Houses In Portland Oregon For Sale
Should you choose urban or suburban houses in Portland Oregon for sale?
When looking at houses in Portland Oregon for sale, do you want to buy urban housing or suburban? This can be quite the dilemma.
The answer, of course, depends on several things. How old you are, your stage in life as well as your budget all play a part.
Many people choose the city for their first home. They generally don’t have kids to worry about yet and young people tend to want to be where the action is. There is nothing wrong with that. Portland having such a great transit system makes getting around the city simple and convenient. And there is no shortage of things to do when the sun goes down.
The only problem with the city is that it tends to be more expensive. That means when looking at houses in Portland Oregon for sale you will have to learn the meaning of compromise.
What is the difference between urban and suburban?
An urban area is determined by taking certain factors into consideration. City boundaries, distance from city hall and the business district and housing density can all be factors.
The suburbs are made up of mostly single family housing farther away from the city. Urban areas are actually in the city. Most people apply the terms in a more vague fashion these days with the distinction becoming hard to determine.
Lifestyle
Commuting is a big deal, the longer the commute the more serious an issue it becomes. It is not just about saving money on gas either. You need to consider the quality of life factor.
Of course, quality of life can mean different things to different people. The location of your work in relation to your home is important, but maybe not as important as the amenities nearby.
For many people, living in the heart of the city, near entertainment and dining centers is the most important factor to their quality of life. Others are all about avoiding the commute. It is imperative that you work out what is most important to you and your family before you buy a new home. This will give you the peace of mind you need when making such a big purchase.
Cost of living
One of the things that you need to take into consideration when looking for houses in Portland Oregon for sale, is property tax. These taxes can vary greatly from urban to suburban areas.
You should also know that the farther you get from urban city centers the more bang you are going to get for your buck. This means more floor space and probably more yard space as well. Though it should be noted that with more rooms to heat, the utility bills will be somewhat higher in most cases.
Now, whether this is worth the trade off of having to commute each day, is something you will have to decide for yourself. If you were to live in the city you would probably not have to deal with a long commute, and you may not even need a car. Portland is known for their excellent transit system.
If you choose to go the suburban route you will find not only lower crime rates (generally) you will also have more affordable and plentiful daycare options. Which, let’s face it, is pretty important for working families.
There is no real correct answer to the urban vs suburban question when it comes to houses in Portland Oregon for sale. In the end, it’s all relative to you and what you deem a priority.