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The transition from city life to the suburbs has brought both expected comforts and surprising insights. As I settle into this new environment, routines like lawn care and having a minute for a quick chat have quickly become second nature.
Trading the city’s fast-paced hum for the suburbs quiet calm has revealed a lifestyle shift I hadn’t anticipated. I’ll share glimpses into this slower-paced existence, from yard upkeep and neighborhood norms to unexpected financial adjustments.
Table of Contents
Building Community Connections
One of the first things I noticed was the genuine warmth from our neighbors. People passing by on their daily walks always wave and say hello, and kids on bikes or ATVs roam freely across the creek, adding a nice liveliness to the area. This easygoing community vibe, where even the simplest interactions feel sincere, has quickly made our new house feel like home.
Every neighbor has something unique to offer. We trade tips on anything house-related, including pool care. One neighbor seems to have every tool you could need (the kind you only need once), while another is always game for a quick drink and some laid-back conversation. Then there’s the neighbor who’s all about classic cars and German Shepherds, always happy to chat about the breed.
Yard Care and Neighborhood Routines
Yard maintenance here felt like a friendly competition, with neighbors aiming for the most perfectly tailored lawn. I’ll admit, at first, I didn’t quite understand the level of commitment it takes to keep a lawn looking beautiful and healthy.
Now, as the days cool into the low 50s, the hum of lawnmowers fills the neighborhood, gathering up the last fallen leaves before winter sets in. At first, I was buying leaf bags every season, until a neighbor suggested I get a bin instead. I haven’t looked back since!
Keeping up with this routine has started to feel like joining in on a shared neighborhood tradition, and it’s also a great way to stay connected to nature. I’ve spotted so much wildlife and interesting activity in the backyard surroundings. I’m an animal fan, so forgive me if I sound excited.
Embracing the Calm of Nature’s Rhythm
The natural soundscape here is a refreshing change from the city. The quiet nights have brought longer, more restful sleep, free from traffic noise, loud neighbors, or revving engines.
My favorite part of the day is early morning, sipping coffee on the back deck while birds flit between trees and listening to the nearby creek flow gently. What I once might have called a “slow-motion” lifestyle now feels like paradise, a true retreat from the busyness of city life. My mom would call it maturity.
Sticking to My Financial Goals
Owning a home for the first time has definitely come with its share of adjustments, but now, more than a year in, I’m getting better at keeping my financial goals front and center. Especially in this economy, losing sight of those goals could lead to a cycle of overspending.
Take, for instance, the temptation to finish my basement as I envision it. But why? I can’t come up with a logical reason to justify it, so I’m holding off for now because other priorities come first. Sticking with what I have and keeping things simple allows me to focus on long-term stability, like paying off my student loans and credit cards instead of quick conveniences.
Financial Shifts in Suburban Life
Life in the suburbs has definitely impacted our finances in ways I somewhat expected. To start, our commute to work is longer, and the nearest gas station, aka corner store, is a forty-minute walk. So, if you’re stepping out, expect to rely on your bike or car almost every time.
With the kids now attending a new local school, they no longer need to walk to the bus stop, and in case they are running late, we’ll have to drive them to school. In the suburbs, we’re lucky enough to have the bus pick them up and drop them off in front of the house.
We’ve noticed our grocery bills dropping a bit; we’re not making nearly as many trips to the store as we used to. Plus, as they get older, they’re becoming less picky, which makes meal planning easier and keeps us from buying a lot of extras.
The big plus is that working from home has kept my overall commute light, but I find myself relying on my car more than ever. I’m even considering getting a bike to embrace the suburban lifestyle more fully. But this is a topic for another time.
In Summary
It’s no wonder why people prefer the suburbs. It has been more than just a change of scenery; it’s reshaped our lifestyle in ways I hadn’t fully expected. From adjusting our finances and routines to building connections and finding peace in simpler daily patterns, it’s been a journey of rediscovering what matters most.
We don’t mind the slower pace; in fact, we use it to our advantage. I meditate regularly, which helps me stay grounded, and I find I get more done without the usual distractions. This lifestyle really supports a focus on mindfulness and productivity that I hadn’t expected.
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Gio founded TheGrowthFocusedGuy in January 2020 because he was fed up with debt.
His mission is to document his journey to Financial Independence in order to motivate and inspire others to get out of debt and begin building generational wealth.
