City Homes vs. Country Houses: Which Is Better?
Should you live in the city or the countryside? Each choice has its own advantages and challenges, depending on your personal lifestyle and career goals.
Whether you prefer the bright lights of the city or the tranquility and nature of the countryside, considering these key factors will make it easier to find the right home.
Characteristics of American Suburban Homes
▲ Reasons for Buying
In the United States, cars are an essential means of transportation, as if without one, you lose the ability to travel freely. Therefore, American homes often have two or three garages to accommodate their car needs. Many Americans enjoy DIY home improvements on the weekends, and with high labor costs in the United States, doing it yourself can undoubtedly save a lot of money. Therefore, garages are not only used to park cars but are often converted into tool storage, with wall cabinets filled with a wide variety of tools.
Garages also play a vital role in American daily life. They are popular for garage sales, where people set up stalls in front of their garages to sell off unwanted items, from large furniture to children's toys. Such activities are popular in the US, not only because they allow them to clear out unnecessary items but also because they offer a chance to enjoy a bit of trading in their spare time.
▲ Home Design and Amenities
American residential design is unique, with every house featuring a front and back yard. The front yard serves not only as a space to showcase personal taste but also as a platform for comparison among neighbors. Therefore, professional landscapers are often hired to create and enhance the front yard's landscape. If there is property management, the landscape design proposal undergoes rigorous approval to ensure a unified and harmonious style within the community.
In the US, the concept of a bare-bones home does not exist; all homes are meticulously furnished upon delivery. Kitchens and bathrooms are professionally designed and equipped with modern amenities such as microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, and garbage disposals. Carpeting or wood flooring creates a comfortable living environment. Furthermore, homes often come with a complete set of appliances, including kitchenware, cooking utensils, and bathroom fixtures, ensuring the convenience of move-in ready.
▲ Living Space Requirements
In the US, certain areas such as garages and balconies are not counted towards the residential area, unlike China's unique concept of floor space. Therefore, homes of the same size in the United States often offer more living space.
Reasons for the Housing Gap Between the Rich and the Poor in the United States
▲ Reasons Why the Poor Live in Urban Areas
Why do poor Americans prefer to live in urban areas? There are multiple reasons. First, the urban areas of many American cities are home to the poor, who often choose to live in apartments. Second, urban subways and buses, despite their age, are the primary means of transportation for these poor, as their limited financial resources make it difficult to afford private cars. Meanwhile, the wealthy often choose to live in the suburbs, where spacious single-family homes and beautiful surroundings allow them to enjoy the convenience of driving and rarely use public transportation.
▲ Reasons Why the Wealthy Live in the Suburbs
As the wealthy migrate from urban areas to the suburbs, suburban amenities are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Commercial centers and supermarkets are often located nearby, making centralized shopping more convenient than in cities. Furthermore, the suburbs are home to numerous health centers offering 24-hour, comprehensive modern fitness services, including a variety of exercise equipment, swimming pools, spas, and saunas.
