The pros and cons of urban vs. suburban residential living have been among the most widely debated topics in the real estate industry for decades. While the decision ultimately comes down to a buyer’s preferences, lifestyle, and financial situation, market dynamics can play a role too. Understanding the benefits of both city and neighborhood living can help homebuyers make the best decision, and keeping tabs on which area buyers prefer can also provide a glimpse into where the market is heading.
As Florida continues to experience population growth year after year, many industry experts are measuring population changes within the state. Shifts are occurring between Florida’s top cities and new residential neighborhoods. The pandemic, technology changes, and a preference for sustainable living seem to be driving a mass exodus toward the suburbs.
The Case For Suburban Living: Space And Tranquility
One of the main reasons buyers prefer suburban living is that it offers more space, quieter communities, and a lower cost of living. The pandemic sparked a major shift in consumer preferences away from urban settings and toward spacious suburban neighborhoods. In 2020 and 2021, many people were spending more time at home, so buyers naturally started looking for larger homes to support these lifestyle changes. Additionally, the rise in remote work has eliminated the need to live within a commutable distance from the office for many and made home offices an absolute necessity. Overall, less congestion, larger yards, and peace and quiet are common reasons buyers cite for moving from the city to the suburbs.
Technology Is Also Driving The Shift Toward Suburban Living
City-living offers proximity to jobs, friends, or your favorite restaurants, which is why it’s a popular choice, especially for young professionals. However, the rapid evolution of technology could be making these factors less important to some homebuyers. High-speed Internet and remote working capabilities can keep you connected to your job at all times from any location. It’s also easier than ever to stay connected with friends and family through social media and messaging apps. Even DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats keep your favorite meals at your fingertips. As public transportation continues to improve across major metro areas, commuting to work from the suburbs is also getting easier. Major changes in technology have enabled easier suburban living.
Both Urban and Suburban Living Are Shifting Toward Sustainability
Sustainability has never been more important, and it’s something most millennials and Gen Zers consider when buying a home. While sustainable living is achievable in both urban and suburban settings, urban areas typically have older homes that may need some upgrades. However, when it comes to new construction, eco-friendly building materials and energy-efficient features are top priorities, and many new community developments across Florida are equipped with these features. Unlocking sustainable living at an affordable price is a win for younger generations.
Florida’s Residential Growth Is Shifting Toward The Suburbs
Remote work opportunities, rising housing costs, and a need for more space are also contributing to a mass exodus toward the suburbs in Florida. The chance of finding a brand-new home with plenty of room, energy-efficient features, and an affordable price point is much greater in the suburbs, so it’s no surprise that this pandemic-era trend is sticking around in 2025. Newcomers from out of state are also opting for suburban living due to the more affordable home prices.
The Villages-Wildwood, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Ocala, and Port St. Lucie were four of the state’s fastest-growing metro areas in 2023. On the flip side, cities like Miami and St. Petersburg have seen population decreases over the last few years.
A rapid increase in new home construction across hot suburban real estate markets is one of the drivers behind the trend. Because homebuilders and developers are quickly producing high-quality homes at a rapid pace, homebuyers have more affordable options in the suburbs as well as the opportunity to live in beautiful new communities.
As real estate inventory remains low, new home construction is enabling Florida to keep pace with population growth, and the overwhelming majority of these homes are being built in new communities across suburban areas.
As demand for suburban homes is expected to continue through 2025 and beyond, Jobalia Development Group and our homebuilder partners will be efficiently working to deliver a pipeline of new homes.
