City Living Tips: What To Expect And How To Live A Good Life

Are you considering moving to a city? Are you already living there? Have you ever felt stuck or overwhelmed by the fast-paced lifestyle that you want the most effective city living tips to regain the balance? If your answer is yes, look no further because Cabin Zero has compiled exactly what you need in this article. You’ll get to know how to find the most suitable and affordable place to live, how to save money, how to enjoy life without financial burdens, and how to have a better social life. Let’s jump right in!

Why Is City Living Better?

Cities often offer better job opportunities, healthcare services, entertainment, and many more.

Although many people argue that living in urban areas can bring about some headaches relating to health or finance, we can’t deny its advantages, including:

• More job opportunities: Cities are hubs of businesses, so it’s easier to find a job or land a career there. There are also many different industries that work for everyone from different backgrounds with considerably higher salaries compared to ones in the countryside. 

• Better infrastructure: Houses or buildings in the cities are normally better built with modern interiors and exteriors. Thanks to constant investment, roads here are also easier to travel on. They are bigger, flatter, and even prettier with nicely trimmed trees and flowers. 

• Diverse transportation system: You’ll get to use different types of public transportation in cities, like trains, buses, or bicycles. Commuting can be more convenient and faster without spending too much on fuel. 

• More social events and networking opportunities: Cities usually hold a lot of cultural events, like concerts, seminars, or sports matches that attract many people from different social groups. There, you can make new relationships or create great business opportunities.

• Better healthcare services: People living in the cities often have easier access to high-quality healthcare services due to the large number of medical experts from all over. Medical centres are also closer to residents to assist in emergencies.

• Multiple entertainment facilities: Restaurants, clubs, bars, theatres, etc. All these locations can be found easily anywhere within the cities. They create immense opportunities for citizens to unwind after long hours of hard work. 

With so many benefits that living in the city can offer, you need to know some important city living tips right below to make the most out of them. 

Finding the Right Place to Live

Location Matters

Finding a place near your workplace should be one of the most important city living tips. Photo by YOUproduction on Stock Adobe

One of the most important factors when choosing a place to live in big cities is proximity to work. Imagine spending hours commuting to work every day in traffic and bad weather; that would be a nightmare. Therefore, make sure to find a place close to your office, or, if difficult and too pricey, close to the public transport system. It will spare you from a lot of headaches later on. Also, pay close attention to surrounding amenities because you don’t want to live in the middle of nowhere with little to no essential services. 

Renting vs. Buying

Renting a house or apartment would be a better option if you don’t have much financial capacity at the current moment (especially if you are a digital nomad settling in another country).

It leaves space for other purchase decisions that are more urgent and spares you from worrying about the decline of the home value over time. You also don’t have to pay property tax, homeowners insurance, and sometimes homeowner association fees that can add a big portion to your monthly total expenses. 

However, since it’s not your house, you may lose the freedom to adjust certain things to match your lifestyle, and there might be a higher possibility that you need to move out when the landlord requests.

On the other hand, buying a house would be ideal if you have enough money or financial support. Most workers can’t afford to buy a house in one go, so they choose instalments. It normally costs the same amount as rental, but you get to live in “your” house, which stays relatively the same over the years. You can also earn another source of income by renting a spare room you have. 

Maximising Space

There are many essential city living tips you can apply to maximise your living space. Photo by Africa Studio on Stock Adobe

Most citizens have to stay in small places due to the scarcity of land, so they usually adopt smart solutions to make the most out of their houses. Some of the most common tips are: 

• Add multiple mirrors: Adding mirrors can create the illusion of a larger home, and the light reflected from mirrors can also add brightness to your home.

• Maximise natural light: Let as much natural light into your home as possible by opening your curtains, as this will help make the home feel more spacious.

• Use room dividers: Use thin partitions because they don't take up much space and can be easily tucked away when not in use. They often come in a variety of colours, so you can coordinate them with other items in your home.

• Use multifunctional furniture: If you buy furniture that only serves one purpose, you will make your home look cluttered. Instead, try a folding bed that you can also use as a sofa.

• Go for wall art and furniture: Prioritise decorations and furniture (wall sconces or ceiling fan) that you can hang. Things like candles and vases may look nice, but they tend to clutter your home.

• Make use of every space: Make use of every corner of the house. You can install wall shelves to place things or take advantage of empty wall corners to hang hooks for hats, keys, etc.

Neighbourhood Research

It’s the classic city living tip, but one you should never miss. Some ways to know if it is a good place to live are:

• Visit at different times of day: Visit the area at different times of day, especially when you're home most of the time, like in the evenings or on weekends. This is when you'll notice if your neighbours are partying late on a Thursday night, or if they can safely walk, bike, or jog in the evening.

• Chat with neighbours: Nothing can give you a more honest assessment of the area you are moving to than people who actually live there. Get to know them and ask them what they like or dislike about living here, you will have the most accurate overview before deciding to move.

• Ask your real estate agent: This is one of the most reliable sources of information you can find about the area you are considering living in. Ask your agent to take you on a tour and discuss pros and cons.

• Attend community meeting: Some places often hold meetings to discuss policy or host local events that you can attend to get an idea of how people participate in public events and how the committee works, as you will need their help later. See if they are comfortable and easy to work with. 

• Check online sources: Take some time to research online to see if anything unusual is happening in the area you're considering moving to. However, keep in mind that statistics aren't always 100% accurate, so compare multiple sources.

City Transportation

Public Transport Hacks

Why do people choose to live in urban areas? Because of their convenient public transportation system. Photo by phpetrunina14 on Stock Adobe

Large cities usually have a fairly convenient and cheap public transportation system. Some of the most common forms of public transportation are buses, trains, trams, and bicycles.

Before using any form of transportation, one of the best city living tips is to find out the fares and routes from your home to any places you will be visiting frequently. Such a simple move will save you a lot of money compared to using personal transportation such as a car. 

When using public transport, keep your personal belongings safe and avoid sleeping on the way, as you may miss your destination. Buy a monthly pass or make use of any concessions you have. 

Cycling in the City

If you use a bicycle for daily commuting, don't forget to equip yourself with the necessary items and the knowledge. Specifically, your bike must have lights for night or fog riding, you must wear a helmet, and good quality protection for your arms and legs. Always remember that when moving on the road, you will be one of the most vulnerable subjects to collision, so always be as visible as possible and always pay attention to your surroundings. Bicycles do not have turn signals or horns as loud as other vehicles.

Car vs. No Car

Owning a car to travel around the city is always the desire of many people because of its convenience and safety. Instead of having to wait or jostle on trains or buses, you just need to drive wherever you want. However, car maintenance is not cheap. 

When it comes to owning a car, the first thing you have to consider is the cost. In addition to the money spent to buy a car, you also have to spend a large amount of money every month to maintain it.

Figures show that, on average, car owners in the UK have to spend about £3,350 per year, including depreciation, petrol, oil, insurance, parking fees, taxes, repairs, maintenance, fines, etc. Therefore, you should carefully consider your financial capacity to avoid creating more burdens for yourself in the future.

In addition, cars also cause serious air pollution problems in the city. A bus can carry up to 50 people, but to carry the same number of people, it takes at least 10 cars. Just imagine the amount of emissions and traffic jams they can cause. You don't want to live in a polluted and congested environment every day, right?

Ride-sharing and Car Rental Alternatives

City living tips: Share a ride or rent a car if you don’t have a personal vehicle or travel. Photo by Cenk - stock.adobe.com

Ride-sharing is a service usually provided by Uber, Bolt, or Freenow. As the name suggests, when you share a ride, you share your distance with another person. This service is suitable if you want to save money, have no time restriction, or do not have personal transportation for a fixed period.

Car rental is the service of renting a car for a period of time, usually for travel. You can drive yourself or hire a driver. If you drive yourself, you must be over 21 years old, have a driver's license, and have a clean driving record. Be sure to read the rental contract carefully to avoid unexpected costs such as insurance. This service is not very suitable if you travel frequently in the city because it can be quite expensive in the long run.

Budgeting for City Life

Cost of Living Considerations

No matter where you live, there are many different costs to consider. Then, is it cheaper to live in a small town or a big city? Obviously, living in a city is much more expensive. House prices in the UK can be as high as £1,092 a month, groceries for one person are around £419, energy is around £144, water is around £50, telephone bills are around £40-60, and so on. 

Although these figures are quite overwhelming for many people, they are set to continue to rise as the demand for urban living continues to grow. Thousands of people flock to big cities every year, so you should spend wisely and apply city living tips like choosing a home that suits your needs, using electricity and water sparingly, and making use of public transport.

Saving

Since the cost of living in the city is so high, saving is a must. Many experts recommend following the 50/30/20 rule, which means spending 50% of your total income on essentials (rent, utilities, etc.), 30% on other things you want (shopping, entertainment, traveling, etc.), and 20% after tax on savings.

If you live in the UK and can save around £400 a month, that’s a pretty good figure. No matter how much you earn, you should have some savings, more or less, for unexpected expenses like accidents, illness, weddings, etc.

Dining Out on a Budget

Cooking for yourself should always be your first choice because it is cheap and safe. However, if you live in the city, it is hard to resist eating out at least once a month. Eating out is also a way to relieve stress and have new experiences. Some ways to save money when eating out are:

• Find a pre-theatre meal deal even when you’re not going to a theatre.

• Limit desserts at restaurants because they are often twice as expensive.

• Take advantage of any membership cards you have because they can be linked to dining locations.

• Turn on notifications from payment apps or restaurants so you don't miss out on discounts. You can save up to 50% on a meal.

Affordable Entertainment

What do rural areas lack? Entertainment. There are plenty of options in cities, and most are expensive, some even more expensive than you think. Some ways you can save money are:

• Visit free or community places like museums, cultural festivals, art exhibitions, outdoor concerts, bookstores, etc. There are many ideas for a staycation.

• Take part in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, walking, cycling, etc.

• Take a trip to more affordable destinations and enjoy the benefits of travelling.

• Volunteer

• Take part in creative activities like pottery or painting, baking, sewing, etc.

• Make the most of the membership points you collect through any service (gym, restaurant, hotel, etc.) because they normally affiliate, and you can get cash back or free stuff.

Multiple Income - Hustle Lifestyle

Having multiple sources of income is highly recommended when living in cities.

Living on a single income in the city can be quite difficult, especially when that income is only enough to cover basic living needs. Therefore, you should find a way to earn extra income from another source, ideally a passive one. It will not be easy, but not impossible. Some city living tips that you will need to earn extra income most legitimately:

• Learn an additional skill that is in demand for a long enough time, and that you have the ability and passion to learn, such as data analysis, design, programming, foreign languages, marketing, video editing, etc.

• Only accept jobs from reputable sources and refuse any job that requires an initial deposit.

• Always stay updated with market demand and salary levels to avoid exploitation.

• Most importantly, have a work-life balance, apply the 8-8-8 rule, always take time to rest, and spend time with your loved ones. You can always earn more money, but don't let yourself become a slave to it.

City Living Tips

Managing Stress And Well-Being

Give yourself a break from all the hustle and bustle, even if it’s just for a short time.

Cities are home to many people from all over the world, especially those who come to study and work. This creates an extremely competitive environment and requires everyone to make an immense effort not to fall behind. Therefore, it’s better to know the following city living tips:

• Give your senses a rest: Don't always turn on your computer, watch your phone, or leave the TV on constantly. If possible, turn off notifications for a while to give your mind a rest. Also, stay away from places with noise like car horns or construction noise.

• Find and enjoy green spaces: Go to green oases in the heart of the city, such as parks, to enjoy the fresh air. Do some light exercise or just take a walk, hang out with friends, and separate yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Take time to rest: Striving to develop yourself or earn more money is important, but don't let that stop you from resting, and eventually burn yourself out. Don't work just to cover hospital expenses.

• Maintain sincere and genuine relationships: friends, family, spouse, lover will always be the source of energy to help you overcome all difficulties in life. Spend quality time with them while building new relationships.

Building a Social Life in the City

Building relationships is extremely important, especially when you live in a city where people can easily feel lonely. Some city living tips to help you connect with more people are:

• Join clubs to meet people with similar interests and passions.

• Get involved in community activities such as volunteering or taking skill classes.

• Take the initiative to connect with classmates, coworkers, or neighbours.

The most important thing in any relationship is sincerity; no matter how many friends you have, it needs to come from sincerity. Connect with enthusiasm and kindness, you will get back exactly what you give.

Staying Safe and Aware

Equip yourself with essential information and knowledge. Photo by rh2010 on Stock Adobe

Whether you are new to the city or have been in the city for a while, you always need to keep yourself safe. Some city living tips that old city dwellers always trust are:

• Know the area you live in: Are there frequent conflicts? Are there any illegal entertainment venues? Are there police stations or committees?

• Don’t go out too often at night: If you have to go out because of your work, you should always inform your family of your location.

• Keep your personal belongings safe, especially when travelling by public transport or going to crowded places.

• Do not trust strangers: Do not listen to anyone you do not know, as it will help you avoid being lured into participating in illegal activities or losing money.

• Learn self-defense: There are many self-defence courses for both men and women. You don't need to be an expert, but a few moves can protect you in unwanted situations.

• Equip yourself with essential knowledge in unexpected situations such as fire, explosion, flood, or earthquake. Remember to only stay in houses fully equipped with fire prevention and fighting equipment.

• Install necessary security systems, such as anti-theft systems, to be alerted immediately when problems occur and protect yourself from any attack.

Is City Life for You?

Living in the city can be a paradise or a nightmare, depending on how you choose your place, your people, and your lifestyle. However, Cabin Zero believes that with all the city living tips we have compiled, you can enjoy your urban life to the fullest. Remember to check out our best sellers to save up to 15% asap and connect with us via social media platforms; we’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned because we’ll come back with more interesting and informative articles. 

Duyen Pham