Growing up, I lived part of my life in the city of Chicago. However, when I was seven my family and I moved to Plainfield, Illinois. Now as a college student I have moved back to the city for an easier commute to get on campus.
There’s always this constant debate between the city and the suburbs. As somebody who has lived life in both settings, I can say that the decision is hard. Let’s start with the suburbs. As my hometown name explains it, Plainfield, it isn’t a very busy town.
There are plenty of farms surrounding, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. I love how peaceful and quiet it is. There is little to no crime. I could probably leave my car unlocked and nothing would happen. Personally, my family has never had any concern about our safety while growing up there. It is a small community, specifically in my suburb, so we all know each other very well.
The best thing about living in the suburbs— little to no traffic. Oh how I miss only having to drive ten to fifteen minutes to get wherever I need to. My neighbors are the people that I’ve known and grew up with for over 10 years.
Even in school as I grew up my peers and fellow students are those that I have known since I was in third grade. Imagine graduating with the people you’ve known and made memories with since before you hit puberty.
It is an awesome feeling, you’re not surrounded with strangers in my small town, you’re surrounded with people you can consider family that you love. I think my favorite part about living in the suburbs is the privacy.
I can sun-bathe in my backyard without feeling uncomfortable. I never have to complain about hearing my neighbors music blasting. I remember spending my summer nights when I was bored making a random trip to McDonald’s or Wal-Mart just because I wanted to no matter how late it was.
Now that I live in the city again, a lot is very different. For example, crime rate is very high. I can’t even stay on campus late without worrying about getting home too late when the dangerous people roam the streets. I also can’t just make a midnight trip to Wal-Mart. I have to constantly think about where I parked is a safe enough distance and if there is enough light surrounding it.
I mean it’s not all bad. I know that, but I can say that I definitely feel less comfortable and have to think a lot more about what I do constantly. The biggest pain in my butt has to be the traffic. I only have to take one road all the way back home to and from Saint Xavier. However, it takes me forty-five minutes to an hour to get to and from school every single day. It is torturous. I run out of things to think about, music to listen to, and buildings to count.
There is some fun to living in the city because there is always something to do. There’s a very big nightlife atmosphere. I never have to worry about being bored on a Friday night.
I can also just walk a block or two and run into a grocery store or restaurant. I don’t need to have a car to go get groceries. If I want a taco, I can walk a couple blocks and have five different options for where I want to get my taco.
Living in the city, I only know two of my neighbors. One of them is my uncle, so I’m not sure if that counts. My point is, it is not some close knit community where you feel like a family.
They all are strangers to me. I don’t randomly run into my neighbor at the grocery store and have a conversation. Ever since I moved in the city I cannot focus when I study.
I have to constantly get frustrated with outside noises, whether it be cars or the rap music blasting through the walls of my neighbor. I never have privacy when I am just hanging out in my backyard.
So I’m sure it is obvious what wins here for me. The suburbs have been, and always will be considered my home. Even when I get married, I plan to live in a small quiet suburb or town. The city is not for me.
Susy Macias
Senior Viewpoints Editor
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