City Life: The New American Dream

For decades, the American Dream was clear: to move out of the crowded city and buy a beautiful single-family home with a white picket fence and a yard in the suburbs. Home ownership was at the core of realizing the American Dream.

But that dream is shifting.

In place of neighborhood barbeques and two-car garages, more and more professionals and even families are dreaming of a penthouse view downtown and a shorter walk to work.

Construction of single-family suburban homes is lower than it has been in decades. On the flip side, construction of residences with 5 or more apartment units such as condos, multiplexes and high-rises, are at an all-time high.

The message is clear: more and more people want to live in the city or, at the very least, in a suburb near to the city.

According to Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, this trend toward city living is especially driven by professionals early in their careers and even more experienced professionals who aren’t confident enough in their job security to invest in home ownership. David Crowe, chief economist for the National Association of Homebuilders, attributes the surge in urban apartment building to the fact that 25-to-34 year olds want to reduce automobile use and live close to work as well as their peers.

College graduates move to the city in search of the perfect job balanced with an active night life. Some delay purchasing a home while others reject the suburban ideal entirely. City life is more than just a necessity for moving up the ranks at the office; it has become a rite of passage. Rather than being interested in square footage, like their parents’ generation, they are more driven by the amenities of city life – diversity; abundant bars, shops and restaurants; proximity to work; great public spaces and more.

Moving to the City?

Here are some “moving logistics” to help ensure a successful and stress-free move:

Parking.

Trying to navigate the always-busy streets and side streets of an urban center can be tricky in a small car, never mind a large moving truck. Luckily, experienced movers can get your valuable items to your destination safely and on time. That said, it's important to consider where your movers will park once they've neared your destination. Find out if the city you’re moving to provides parking permits to movers.

Loading and Unloading Cargo.

If you're moving into an apartment, speak with your building manager to see how moves are typically handled and where cargo can be unloaded safely and without penalty. In addition to being able to park close to your home or building, your moving company will require use of the freight elevator. Familiarize yourself with any restrictions there may be involving when you can execute your move using the elevator.

Hire a Professional Mover you can trust.

All Jersey Moving & Storage has helped thousands of professionals and young families move to urban centers in New Jersey and across the country.

We offer:

*Packing and unpacking services. Packing is one of the moving tasks that people dread most. If you’re moving to a new apartment or home and don’t have the time to pack and unpack your belongings, our movers can undertake the task for you.

*Last minute moving. Whether you receive a fantastic job opportunity or finally find the perfect apartment, sometimes you don’t have the luxury of planning your move far in advance. We do our absolute best to accommodate last minute and weekend moves.

*Containerized storage services. Downsizing to a city-sized apartment or condo? If you need to store your extra furniture and belongings, we offer reliable, convenient residential short-term and long-term containerized storage. Our team takes every step necessary to give you peace of mind that your goods and furniture are professionally wrapped and safely packed away until you're ready to access them.

Contact us today for a free moving estimate.