Building your first home is a significant milestone that requires careful consideration of various factors. One crucial decision you’ll need to make is whether to build your home in a village or a city. With this in-depth explanation, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option, providing examples to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and priorities.
Village Living: Embracing Tranquility and Community
Living in a village offers a unique experience, characterized by tranquility, a close-knit community, and a simpler way of life.
Advantages of Village Living
- Tranquility and Nature: Villages are often nestled in serene and picturesque surroundings, away from the noise and chaos of the city. If you appreciate a slower-paced lifestyle and crave a closer connection with nature, building your first home in a village can provide the perfect escape. You can wake up to the sounds of birds chirping, enjoy scenic walks, or even cultivate a beautiful garden.
- Strong Community: One of the most significant advantages of village living is the sense of community and the opportunity to build strong relationships with your neighbors. Villages often host community events, festivals, and gatherings, fostering a supportive and tight-knit environment. You can easily get involved in local initiatives, join clubs or volunteer, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
- Lower Cost of Living: Compared to cities like Lagos island, Lekki, Asaba, Abuja, villages typically offer a lower cost of living, making homeownership more affordable. Housing prices in villages tend to be lower, allowing you to get more value for your money. Additionally, everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and services may be more affordable, reducing financial stress and providing more flexibility in budgeting. Also, excess budget can be used for land banking investment.
Disadvantages of Village Living
- Limited Amenities: One downside of village living is often the limited availability of amenities and services. Villages may not have large shopping centers, specialized healthcare facilities, or a wide range of entertainment options. You may need to travel to nearby towns or cities to access these amenities, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
- Limited Career Opportunities: While villages offer a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle, they may not provide the same level of job opportunities as cities. If you are seeking diverse career paths, higher salaries, or professional growth, living in a village may require commuting to nearby towns or cities. This can add to commuting time and expenses.
- Limited Educational Options: Villages often have fewer educational institutions and may lack specialized resources, such as advanced science labs or language programs. If you have children or plan to have them in the future, it’s important to consider the availability and quality of schools in the village or nearby areas. You may need to assess the educational opportunities and make arrangements accordingly.
For Example: Olawale, a nature enthusiast, decides to build his first home in a scenic village surrounded by forests and lakes. He enjoys the tranquility and often takes long walks in the countryside. The strong sense of community allows him to develop lasting friendships with his neighbors, and he actively participates in organizing local art shows and cultural festivals. While he
occasionally needs to drive to a nearby town for shopping and specialized medical services, he finds the slower pace of village life fulfilling and well-suited to her needs.
City Living: Opportunities and Convenient Amenities
Living in a city comes with its own set of advantages and opportunities, including diverse career prospects, an abundance of
amenities, and a vibrant cultural scene depending of the kind of person you are.
Advantages of City Living
- Abundant Job Opportunities: Cities are economic powerhouses, offering a wide range of job opportunities across various industries. From corporate careers to creative and tech-related fields, cities attract professionals and organizations, opening the door to diverse career paths and growth potential. If you value career opportunities and professional development, building your first home in a city can be advantageous. Taking for example, someone living in Lagos or Abuja will surely have a lot of career opportunities compared to someone living in a village.
- Access to Various Amenities: One of the major advantages of city living is the accessibility of modern amenities. Cities are equipped with shopping malls, entertainment venues, theaters, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Whatever your interests or hobbies, you’ll likely find a multitude of options within easy reach. From art galleries and museums to sports clubs and fitness centers, cities provide a wealth of choices to suit various lifestyles.
- Cultural and Social Experiences: Cities are vibrant and diverse, offering a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and social experiences. You can immerse yourself in the local arts scene, attend theater performances, concerts, and festivals, and explore different cuisines. The social dynamics of a city can be exhilarating, providing opportunities to meet people from various backgrounds and expand your horizons.
Disadvantages of City Living
- High Cost of Living: One of the primary drawbacks of city living is the higher cost of living. The demand for housing in cities often leads to increased property prices and rent. Additionally, daily expenses such as groceries, dining out, transportation, and entertainment can be more expensive compared to villages. It’s crucial to consider your financial stability and budget before committing to building a home in a city.
- Urban Noise and Pollution: Cities are bustling with activity, which can result in constant noise, traffic congestion, and pollution. If you prefer peace and quiet, the urban environment may not be ideal for you. The noise and pollution can impact your quality of life, especially if you have young children or desire a serene living environment.
- Lack of Space: Cities are densely populated, and the limited space available often translates to smaller living spaces, both in terms of apartments and houses. The scarcity of land in cities can lead to higher property prices and limited outdoor areas. If you desire a spacious home with a large backyard or outdoor spaces, building in a city may present challenges.
Example: Chibuke, an architect, decides to build his first home in the heart of a bustling city(Lekki). He values the abundant career opportunities the city offers, allowing him to work on exciting and diverse architectural projects. Living in the city grants him easy access to art galleries, theaters, and design exhibitions that inspire his work. While the cost of living is higher, he appreciates the convenience of having various amenities within walking distance. Despite the occasional noise and congestion, John enjoys the energy and dynamism that city living provides.
You can Also read ;why you should own a property in these emerging cities in Nigeria
Conclusion: Making Your Decision
When it comes to building your first home in a village or a city, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle goals, and priorities.
Consider factors such as the level of tranquility you seek, the importance of community involvement, the career opportunities you desire, the cost of living, and the availability of amenities and educational institutions.
Reflect on your values, aspirations, and the kind of environment that aligns with your vision for the future. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what brings you the most joy, fulfillment, and convenience in your everyday life.
Remember, building your first home is an investment in your future. So take the time to research, gather information, visit potential locations, and consult with professionals to make a well-informed decision that will set the foundation for an amazing chapter in your life.
