Picket fences, driveways, and well-maintained lawns– these are just some of the features that help paint the picture of the classic American suburb. We’re in for a change however, as 2017 marks the year when American suburbs will change. For the better or for worse is something we’ve yet to see. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the age of the “Surban.”
What is a Surban?
With more people looking for urban amenities in suburban settings, real estate developers have paved the way for the creation of the “Surban” — communities that mix a variety of housing options and urban features. Basically, it’s a place where you can live, work, and play.
Aside from being mixed-use sprawls, Surbans give today’s homeowners and home buyers the best of both words: the quiet and comfortable suburban lifestyle with the best of urban living.
Surbans as inclusive communities
Another feature of Surbans is its inclusiveness. Instead of keeping people out, it welcomes people from all walks of life into the community. Since there is a diverse selection of real estate options, everyone, from executives to police and janitors, can live and enjoy the benefits Surbans offer.
Three interesting tidbits about Surbans
- It started more than a decade ago. Various real estate developers have slowly been transforming suburban communities into surban areas for the past ten years or so. How? By slowly creating spaces for walkable restaurants, shops, and other urban services within the suburban sphere.
- Job creation plays an important role in the rise of the Surban. The past years have seen employment growth all across the country. Surbans are usually located outside the city sprawl, allowing residents easy access to work and recreation without the cost of living in a big city.
- Changing goals. Unlike the preceding generation, Millennials are constantly delaying goals such as settling down and buying their own homes. Most Millennials are more attracted to urban than suburban living, and Surbans present a perfect compromise for this group of home buyers and real estate investors.
