July 7, 2026
Pros and Cons of Living in a Big City
As you look for a change of scenery and try to find your forever city, you might wonder if city, country, exurban, or suburban life is right for...
As you look for a change of scenery and try to find your forever city, you might wonder if city, country, exurban, or suburban life is right for you. We’ve already given you a few things to consider before moving to the country, so here are some pros and cons of city living to keep in mind before packing up and heading to a big metro.
There’s a reason big cities attract big populations. With endless activities, great food, and better jobs, it’s no surprise that many people dream of making the move. The advantages of living in the city include:
Large corporations tend to flock to cities, and one look at city skyscrapers will give you a good idea of what companies you can apply to. Whether you’re interested in the corporate world, retail, the medical field, or something in between, you’ll find no shortage of possible job opportunities. And many of these jobs pay higher salaries than those outside the city.
Plus, big cities are home to people, events, and industries that can accelerate a career. Industry conferences, professional meetups, startup ecosystems, and alumni networks are far more active and accessible in urban centers, which matters for long-term career trajectory.
From top-ranked universities and community colleges to specialized trade schools and professional development programs, cities typically offer a greater depth of educational options. Families with school-age children also benefit from a wider range of public, charter, and private school choices. And for adults looking to advance their careers or change direction, the access to continuing education is hard to beat.
One of the biggest pros of living in the city is that you never have to be bored. City life is bustling, and you will always find things to do. From photo-worthy brunch spots to cozy local cafes and vibrant nightclubs, there are options that fit every lifestyle and mood.
When researching cities to live in, consider the activities you enjoy. Cities like Los Angeles and Boston might be great for sports fans, while cities like Las Vegas and NYC are go-to’s for nightlife.
You can easily get around in many major cities, thanks to public transit. Buses, subways, trams, and even rentable electric scooters and bikes make transportation a breeze without needing a car.
Keep in mind that not every large city has a robust public transportation system. New York and Chicago are known for their amazing subway and train systems, but other cities may only offer buses or commuter rail. Unless you live in the middle of downtown, you may have fewer options.
Research the types of transportation available in different cities and how widespread they are to find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Don’t feel like riding the bus? When you live closer to the heart of the city, you can often find most things you need within walking distance, whether it’s a little bodega for groceries around the corner or a hip restaurant for dinner a few blocks away.
Like public transportation, walkability can vary from city to city and neighborhood to neighborhood. If walkability is a must, make sure you choose an apartment in the right area.
Major cities are often home to top-tier hospitals, research centers, and specialist networks that smaller markets simply can’t match. If you have ongoing health needs or just want access to the best care available, proximity to a major medical hub is a real advantage.
Big cities might have bigger and better airports. Being close to an airport can be a huge plus if you’re a jet setter or need to travel for work. Airfare tends to be lower when flying between larger airports, and you’ll have more flights to choose from. Plus, you might have public transportation options for getting to the airport, saving you the cost of rideshares or airport parking.
Big cities attract people from all over—different backgrounds, cuisines, languages, and perspectives exist side by side. Diversity tends to produce more interesting neighborhoods, better food, stronger arts scenes, and a broader sense of community for people who may feel out of place in more homogeneous areas.
Cities tend to have more developed infrastructure than rural or suburban areas (i.e., better roads, faster internet, more reliable utilities, and greater access to public services). This makes day-to-day life more convenient and is especially valuable if you work from home or run a small business that depends on consistent connectivity.
While big city life has a ton to offer, it can also come with drawbacks, especially if you’re used to a more rural environment. Disadvantages of living in the city include:
Cities attract a lot of people, which can definitely be a con if you like personal space. Sidewalks, grocery stores, bars, and other public places are more crowded in the city than in the country. On the other hand, some might consider more people to be one of the benefits of living in the city. After all, higher population density makes it easier to meet people in your new city.
Larger populations also tend to mean less room when it comes to housing. To fit more people in, apartments and residential spaces might be smaller than you’d like. Depending on the city, it can be difficult to find rentals with plenty of square footage, enough storage space, or outdoor areas like patios and yards.
With more people concentrated in a city, the cost of living tends to be much higher than in the suburbs or rural areas. You might find more job opportunities with higher salaries in the city, but you also have to consider other factors like the larger price tag for rent, groceries, and other necessities.
Persistent inflation, elevated mortgage rates, and limited housing inventory have pushed the cost of renting or buying in major metros to levels that are sometimes difficult to offset with a higher paycheck.
A cost-of-living calculator can help you determine how much you need to make to maintain your current standard of living. Use this information to guide salary negotiations while searching for new jobs and to decide if you can afford a bigger city.
Because cities have so much going on, they tend to be noisy. You have to worry about the noise from traffic, police sirens, large groups of people walking down the street, nearby concerts, trains, and planes. Crowded apartments might also mean thin walls where you can easily hear those living next to and above you. If you enjoy peace and quiet, city life might not be for you.
Depending on where you live in the city, you might not have all the same benefits of living in a downtown apartment. You may not be able to walk everywhere, and your public transportation options could be limited, which can cause you to rely on a car. Unfortunately, many cities don’t have much parking, leaving you circling the block a few dozen times for an open spot or paying an arm and a leg to park in a garage.
The pace of city life isn’t for everyone. Long commutes, crowded environments, financial pressure, and reduced access to green space can take a real toll over time. Cities generally have more mental health resources available, but those services can be expensive and hard to access without good insurance.
Crime rates vary widely between cities and even between neighborhoods within the same city. It’s worth doing thorough neighborhood-level research before signing a lease. What’s true citywide may not reflect the area you’re actually considering.
Urban heat islands, air quality concerns, and increased exposure to severe weather events are practical realities in many major metros. If you’re sensitive to heat, pollution, or the effects of a changing climate, it’s worth factoring in local environmental conditions when making your decision
If you’re actively weighing a move, it helps to know where people are actually going — and why. Across the board, the most-moved-to states right now share a few things in common: relatively affordable housing, lower overall living costs, favorable weather, and, in some cases, no state income tax. Here are six states that keep showing up at the top of migration data and what makes each one worth a look.
Florida leads the country in inbound migration demand in 2026, and it’s not hard to see why. No state income tax, warm weather year-round, and a wide range of communities — from major metros like Tampa and Jacksonville to retirement-friendly markets along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts — give it something for nearly every type of mover.
Though it’s important to note that housing costs have risen in recent years, and insurance rates are a consideration, so it pays to research specific markets carefully before committing.
North Carolina has been one of the fastest-growing states in the country, adding nearly 146,000 residents in a single year. Cities like Charlotte and Raleigh attract tech, finance, and healthcare professionals, while the state’s lower housing costs, access to nature, and proximity to major universities make it appealing across age groups and life stages.
Tennessee’s combination of no state income tax, affordable housing, and a strong job market — particularly in healthcare and tech — keeps it near the top of inbound moving lists year after year. Nashville leads the charge as the most sought-after destination in the state, but Knoxville and Chattanooga are pulling their own weight, attracting families and entrepreneurs looking for long-term value.
Texas continues to dominate migration data, with Dallas-Fort Worth ranking as the top U-Haul growth metro for two consecutive years. Whether you’re a recent grad, a growing family, or a professional relocating for a corporate job, the state’s lack of an income tax, diverse industries, and relatively affordable cost of living make it a strong option.
South Carolina has led inbound migration searches for multiple consecutive years. The coastal lifestyle, mild weather, and a cost of living that makes coastal Florida look expensive by comparison are major draws. Myrtle Beach consistently ranks at or near the top of city-level inbound data, but the state’s appeal extends well beyond the Grand Strand.
Arizona has seen a big surge of interest, driven by Mountain West appeal, outdoor lifestyle, and home prices that still compare favorably to Pacific Coast markets. Phoenix made a strong comeback on top migration lists in 2026, and the state’s warm weather and growing job market continue to attract movers from California and beyond.
When considering the differences between city vs. country living, the only person who knows which one is better is you. Maybe the pros of city life outweigh the cons for you, or vice versa. Whether you choose to make the move to a major metropolis or are looking to slink out to the suburbs, CORT is here to help.
Customize a CORT Furniture Rental package that suits your space and big city (or not!) style. After you build your furniture and houseware package, set a delivery date, and our team will take care of the rest, including setting up your furniture in your new home. Then, once you’re ready to move out, we’ll pick it up! Get started at your local CORT showroom or online today.
