It used to be that people dreamed of living in a sprawling estate on a few acres of land. For people who had “made it” in their careers, from mid-career professionals to retirees, it was an opportunity to move to a quieter environment. On the other hand, younger professionals have long been drawn to the activity of the city, where there’s always something happening and where your friends might live just down the street.
In the last several years, cities have made a major comeback. Millennials still live there and many adults are moving back or retiring there. And why not? You’re close to everything, can walk or bike from one place to another and have numerous gathering places where you can meet friends over a cup of coffee or a late-night drink.
One example is Toronto, which has seen an enormous increase in new residents over the past several years. It’s booming, with amenities and real estate to match, especially for those who have the means to live in this city and appreciate the finer things. Right now, Toronto real estate firm Mizrahi Developments is in the midst of building a mixed-use residential and commercial supertower in the city’s downtown. Named The One, the complex, when completed, will encompass luxury residences and some of the finest retail establishments in the city.
Similar developments are underway in other cities as well, as people continue to realize that the city is where they want to be. It’s even been reported that urban living can be good for one’s health. In any event, many cities are thriving.
Ellie and Ravi, a British and Indian couple who moved to Toronto and blog about their lifestyle, say that the ease with which they travel in the city can’t be beaten.
“Getting around Toronto is a breeze and although many locals bemoan the public transit system (the TTC) it’s never really hard to get somewhere within the downtown core or city by public transit,” they write on their blog. “The main method of getting around is by trams (streetcar as they are called in Toronto), or for journeys that happen to coincide with the central north-south or west-east lines, there is a limited subway. Ride-hailing with Uber and Lyft is affordable, and Go Trains link downtown Toronto with suburbia within the greater Toronto area (GTA).
One thing that attracts lots of people to cities is that there’s just so much to do in them. You’re never bored and can find interesting options for all ages virtually all around you. Mizrahi Developments had this in mind when The One was planned, as do other complexes in cities worldwide.
According to Rent.com, “From live theater to museums to galleries to gardens and everything in between, cities are plain fun. And because they harbor diverse entertainment options, you can pay as much as you want. Locations range from totally free (parks) to pricey (multi-day concerts). You’ll never be bored living in a city, and your social calendar will be full– unless you need to relax in your PJs and watch Netflix, which is also a great form of entertainment.”
And then there’s the professional environment. Cities tend to attract all types of commerce, from major corporations to startups. Living in the city, you’ll be close to your job — or the coffee shop whose corner table you might commandeer for doing your daily work on your laptop.
According to Charlotte, NC writer Ashley Massis, “There’s a reason there are so many people in big cities! They’re motivated by opportunity. Everyone focuses on the competitive nature of big cities, but there are also opportunities that you never would have access to in a small town. More people, more professions, more businesses.”