Home » Forum » Topics

City condo vs. suburban house: struggling with the decision

real estatelifestyleadvice
avatar
David_85
Joined:
13.05.2021
Posts: 2271
Topic Starter
05.01.2025 10:39
My partner and I are currently renting a small apartment in the city center and love the walkability, but we feel like we are outgrowing the space as we plan for a family. We have been looking at houses in the suburbs that offer a backyard and more square footage, but I am terrified of the long commute and losing that vibrant urban lifestyle. Has anyone here made the move recently and regretted it, or did you find the trade-off worth it in the long run? I would love to hear how your daily routines changed after leaving the downtown core.
17 replies in this topic
avatar
Olivia_T
Joined:
01.11.2023
Posts: 880
16.01.2025 20:43
We moved to the suburbs three years ago when our first kid was born. Honestly, the commute is a soul-crusher, but having a yard where the dog can run and the kids can play safely makes up for it. You adjust your work hours if you can.
avatar
Max_D
Joined:
23.08.2022
Posts: 1430
06.02.2025 14:11
I did the opposite. Moved back to the city after five years in the burbs. I hated the car dependency more than I loved the extra space. It really depends on what you value more: square footage or time.
avatar
Max_D
Joined:
08.12.2020
Posts: 1486
19.02.2025 06:14
In reply to a previous post
That's exactly what I'm afraid of. Did you find your social life took a hit when you left the city?
avatar
radek_c
Joined:
29.05.2024
Posts: 1186
04.05.2025 10:22
In reply to a previous post
Big time. In the city, I'd meet friends for a drink on a whim. In the suburbs, everything requires planning, driving, and finding parking. It’s a totally different lifestyle.
avatar
mike_777
Joined:
10.08.2021
Posts: 370
04.06.2025 18:13
Maybe look for a 'streetcar suburb'? It’s the middle ground. You get the yard and the house, but you're still close enough to a train line that gets you downtown in 20 minutes. Best of both worlds.
avatar
cris_r
Joined:
05.04.2022
Posts: 898
22.06.2025 02:09
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the 'streetcar suburb' idea. We did that and it saved our sanity. Don't go too far out!
avatar
old_wolf
Joined:
08.11.2022
Posts: 790
28.06.2025 10:13
People always talk about the commute, but forget the cost of maintaining a house. Snow removal, lawn care, roof repairs-it adds up fast if you're used to condo living.
avatar
Vic_S
Joined:
23.07.2020
Posts: 1158
20.09.2025 12:49
In reply to a previous post
Exactly! I miss my condo board handling the landscaping. Now my weekends are spent at the hardware store.
avatar
agata_k
Joined:
20.10.2024
Posts: 1818
22.10.2025 07:12
Don't underestimate how much space a baby needs. When you're tripping over strollers in a 600sqft apartment, the commute starts looking like a small price to pay.
avatar
deleted_user
Joined:
26.04.2025
Posts: 510
23.11.2025 10:08
We stayed in the city and bought a larger condo in a less 'trendy' neighborhood. We kept the walkability and the commute, but got the extra bedroom. Have you considered that?
avatar
GoldenHands
Joined:
09.01.2021
Posts: 242
06.12.2025 19:46
In reply to a previous post
Great point. Moving a few miles out from the center but staying in the city limits is often the sweet spot.
avatar
jacek_pl
Joined:
05.04.2023
Posts: 2099
22.12.2025 11:45
I think it depends on your job. If you can WFH three days a week, the commute isn't that bad. If you're in the office five days a week, you'll burn out within a year.
avatar
Lara_N
Joined:
07.12.2021
Posts: 1339
30.12.2025 11:11
In reply to a previous post
Totally agree with the WFH factor. That changed the math for us completely.
avatar
Iggy_R
Joined:
25.06.2023
Posts: 1079
28.01.2026 09:39
We moved to the burbs and I actually love the quiet. I didn't realize how much the city noise was stressing me out until it was gone.
avatar
Alice_K
Joined:
24.03.2022
Posts: 975
01.02.2026 20:05
In reply to a previous post
The quiet is nice, but I miss the diversity of restaurants. I'm stuck with chain places now.
avatar
new_here
Joined:
02.05.2021
Posts: 761
24.02.2026 21:54
It’s a season of life thing. Maybe do the suburbs for 5-10 years while the kids are little, then move back when they're older and don't need a backyard? No decision is permanent.
avatar
mike_777
Joined:
15.09.2022
Posts: 825
16.03.2026 15:59
In reply to a previous post
That's how we're looking at it. It's not a 'forever' decision, just a 'for now' decision. Good luck with the search!

Want to join the discussion?

Log in to your account to post a reply in this thread.