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Health & Fitness

The Advantages to Living in the Burbs

Some of the reasons why I love living in my burb hometown of Weston, MA.

I was always a city girl through and through. I graduated from college and moved straight to Boston. The first year I lived in Beacon Hill, and the second year, I lived in the Back Bay. The next year, I moved to Manhattan and experienced six fabulous years living there. I loved the nightlife, the hours and excitement of the city, the liveliness, the stimulation, the culture, the convenience, the ability to walk most places or take local transportation. But soon thereafter, I got married, moved to the burbs and had my first child. And I must admit that although I missed the conveniences, energy and feel of the city at times, once I had a child, I was happy to be living in the burbs.

And now after having lived in Weston, MA for almost 14 years and having worked in real estate for almost 10, I feel like I have seen and experienced—both first- and second-hand—the advantages to living in the burbs. Here are some of the pros of living in my burb hometown:

  • Finding a parking place outside your home is never an issue and parking in town is free.
  • There's no need to carry your groceries from block to block anymore. Therefore you can shop til your heart's content, load all of the groceries and bags into the car, and you're all set.
  • Getting the kids into the car is as easy as 1-2-3. I have heard logistical nightmare stories from clients who live in a brownstone and have to take one child in a stroller down in the elevator, leave the child there and then go up and get the other child. And that's not even getting the kids into the car, that's just getting them out the door.
  • The kids can run freely in your backyard.
  • Wildlife is also right outside your door—deer, frogs (as pictured above) and wild turkeys, to name just a few—which the little ones love to see.
  • The kids can ride their fun mini jeeps right out the back door.
  • You can have a tent or a bouncy castle for parties in your backyard.
  • During the holidays, you can have as many snowman, Santa or reindeer inflatables featured wherever you'd like on your property.
  • Sledding is right outside your door.
  • The bus picks up the kids at the end of your driveway; no need to walk or even drive to school.
  • Taking the dog on a walk involves accessing trails and reservoirs where your dog can run off-leash, socialize with other dogs and be free of the threat of cars.
  • You can have your very own vegetable garden.
  • Passing through the town center gives you a feeling of community and connection.
  • You have access to all of the programs, classes and events—for young and old alike—that the town's recreation department offers.
  • The town pool offers a fun summertime alternative for families and friends.
  • The peacefulness of being outside and hearing absolutely nothing for a full minute is priceless.
  • As most home inspectors like to say, "In the burbs, it's mice; in the city, it's rats." I personally would take mice over rats any day.

Honestly I could go on and on about the fabulous benefits to living in the suburbs. And even with the power outages from time to time, a greater reliance on your car than your feet and the fact that most businesses and stores close their doors at 6 p.m., the pros of suburban living still outweigh the cons, in my opinion. What are your thoughts? And what are some of your favorite pros about living in your burb hometown? I can't wait to hear.

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For more information on living in the burbs or questions about real estate, please contact me at 781-267-2844 or www.homesalesbylisa.com

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