Is It Better to Raise Your Kids in the City or the Suburbs?

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That incredible day all hopeful moms wish and pray for has finally arrived. You
come home from your doctor’s office with the knowledge that you and your partner are
going to be parents. It’s an amazing feeling, full of all the hopes and dreams of who your
child will be, and what kind of life they will grow up to have. But one decision you will
make on their behalf can do a great deal to shape that future they will experience. And
that’s whether to raise your child in the city, or in the suburbs. As with many decisions
involving your kids, you’ll probably go over the pros and cons of each option for days,
and in the end you may never know for sure if you’re making the right decision. It may
just come down to a preference, and if you raise your child with love, respect, and a solid
set of rules, they will grow into amazing adults in either environment. But here are some
of the issues you should consider if you find yourself wondering whether you should
raise your kids in the city or the suburbs.

First of all, consider the neighborhood. In the suburbs, your child will have lawns to
play on, space to grow, and roads that could be empty for several hours of the day. The
suburbs are known for serenity and continuity. Each day is sure to be like the last, and
for the most part, there won’t be many surprises. In the city, every day is an adventure.
Your child will grow up playing in parks surrounded by buildings and busy streets, with
near constant activity. The suburbs are safe; the city is somewhat uncertain. If you have
an adventurous spirit, and want your children to experience the same, the city may be
your best option. But if you’re a homebody, and want your child to have consistency and
security, the suburbs are probably for you.

Next, consider the activities your kids will be able to take advantage of. The suburbs
bring well-funded athletic and after school programs. Your kids will often play team
sports, and get involved in a small, close knit community. In the city, the potential
activities will not always be tied to the school or one local community center. You’ll have
world class art institutions a short walk away, film, theater and music all performed at
the highest level for your child’s enjoyment, and many different neighborhoods, with
massively different feels, ready to explore. Of course, all of that costs money, and you’ll
certainly have to pony up to take advantage of all the city has to offer.

The people your kids will interact with will also be wildly different in the city or the
suburbs. In the city, your child will come across people from practically every race, age
and economic bracket. Kids that grow up in the city tend to think of the larger world,
as they come across a vast group of people. In the suburbs, chances are most of
the people they interact with will be like you. Suburban neighborhoods tend to share
economic brackets, and schools aren’t nearly as integrated as they are in the city. Your
child may have a stronger sense of community in the suburbs, and more of a feeling of
belonging because of it. Again, there isn’t a right or wrong answer here; just differences
to be acknowledged.

Finally, consider the various living situations you will experience
in each environment. The city child may grow up in UWS apartments, but
families often move when they find better apartments for rent. The suburban child may spend
his whole childhood in one place, and it’s usually a house. Apartment living means
closer quarters, and more neighbors to get to know. House living means more space to
explore, and interaction with fewer neighbors. Which do you see yourself, and your child
thriving in?