What is an Exurban Area and How Far is it From a City?
Living beyond the suburbs has become more appealing to people searching for extra space and tranquility. If you've browsed real estate listings lately, you might have noticed properties labeled as "exurban" - but what does that really mean? Let me break down this growing residential trend and help you understand if it might be right for you.
Exurban: A residential area located far beyond traditional suburbs, typically 30-60 miles from a major city center, where homes are often built on larger lots with significant space between neighbors. Exurban areas offer a more rural lifestyle while still allowing residents to commute to urban employment centers, though with longer travel times.
Understanding Exurban vs. Other Residential Areas
The distance from city centers plays a big role in defining different residential zones. Here's how they typically break down:
Urban core: 0-5 miles from downtown
Inner suburbs: 5-15 miles out
Outer suburbs: 15-30 miles from the center
Exurban areas: 30-60 miles away
Living in an exurban area feels different from suburban life. Houses sit on bigger lots, often several acres apart. You won't find cookie-cutter neighborhoods here - each property tends to have its own character. The community vibe leans more toward small-town friendliness than suburban anonymity.
Benefits of Exurban Living
Your dollar stretches further in exurban areas. Property prices typically run lower than their suburban counterparts, and you get more land for your money. Property taxes often cost less too, putting larger homes within reach for many buyers.
The lifestyle perks make exurban living special. You can actually see the stars at night without city light pollution. Morning coffee on your porch comes with birdsong instead of traffic noise. Kids have room to run and play outdoors. Your neighbors are friendly but not right on top of you.
The sense of community differs from urban or suburban areas. People tend to know their neighbors better, even though homes sit further apart. Local events and gatherings feel more personal, and there's a stronger connection between residents.
Challenges of Exurban Life
I won't sugarcoat it - commuting from an exurban area takes planning. Your drive to work might stretch to an hour or more each way. Bad weather can make those drives trickier, and fuel costs add up quickly.
Daily errands need more coordination too. The closest grocery store might be 15 minutes away. Movie theaters, shopping malls, and restaurants require a bit of a drive. Emergency services could take longer to reach you compared to suburban areas.
Infrastructure can be different from what you're used to. Internet service might be slower or more expensive. Some areas use well water instead of municipal systems. Roads might not get plowed as quickly during snowstorms.
The Future of Exurban Areas
Remote work has changed how people think about home location. More buyers now consider exurban properties since they don't need to commute daily. This shift has sparked new construction in these areas.
Developers are building modern amenities into exurban communities while preserving their rural character. Better internet infrastructure is coming to many areas, making remote work more feasible.
Making the Exurban Decision
Before jumping into exurban living, ask yourself some honest questions:
Can you handle a longer commute?
Do you enjoy quiet surroundings?
Are you comfortable being further from conveniences?
Does your budget account for transportation costs?
When house hunting, research:
Internet and cell service quality
Water and utility systems
Local development plans
Road maintenance schedules
Is Exurban Living Right for You?
Exurban living offers a unique blend of rural peace and city access. You'll find more space, stronger community bonds, and often better value for your money. The tradeoff comes in longer travel times and distance from conveniences.
Looking for your perfect exurban property? Bellhaven Real Estate specializes in finding homes that match your lifestyle needs. Our agents know these areas inside and out, and can guide you through the unique considerations of exurban living.