What do recent graduates usually gain by living in the suburbs?

Quick answer

For the same housing budget, suburban renters often gain more square footage, newer construction, easier resident and guest parking, and sometimes a larger floor plan. Active mixed-use suburbs can also provide restaurants, shopping, and walkability. The tradeoff is that traditional suburban areas may have fewer recent graduates and require more driving for social life. Grant does not reject suburban value; he asks whether the district also gives the renter enough community and activity to make the first year after college enjoyable.

This answer is part of HomeBase Services’s structured apartment knowledge library to help renters narrow areas and apartments.