I hesitate to leave downtown Hanoi despite the polluted air

Selling homes in downtown Hanoi to move to the city outskirts is something many people talk about, but I fear I will regret it in the future. You can move to the outskirts anytime, but returning to downtown Hanoi will be extremely difficult because by then, the property prices will have increased significantly.

Reader Nguyen Duy Thoan

The comment was left on an article about solutions to combat Hanoi’s high fine dust levels, which have exceeded national standards. Purchasing air purifiers or moving to the outskirts is seen as a common measure many families in the capital are taking to combat air pollution.

Many readers agreed with the above comment:

Reader Linhthianh:

“People joke about ‘raising fish and growing vegetables’ in the countryside, but how many can actually do it? Most people have to stay in the city to earn a living. Instead of moving, we need to work together to protect our shared environment. We should use clean energy, reduce waste, and choose eco-friendly transportation like electric vehicles.”

Reader Binh Luan:

“People discuss moving due to pollution, but it is only practical if you are retired. Those still working in the city cannot avoid commuting, even if they live in the suburbs. The real solution is to spread out the population to the outskirts. Limiting immigration into the city is also vital. Many people moved to Hanoi with their families for better opportunities. They ended up complaining about small, overcrowded living spaces and air quality. But in the end, no one moves away.”

But some readers have a different view:

Reader Thang Duong:

“Moving to the suburban area of Hanoi 17 years ago was the best decision for my large family. Though we have to travel 10 kilometers more than before, the improved health and better quality of life make it worth it. Over time, roads and transport have improved, so we can now travel more easily.”

Reader Minh Tri:

“It was shocking to learn how polluted Hanoi’s air is. Moving to the suburbs was one of the best decisions we have made. Although we are not far from the city center, the air quality here is much better. Everyone in my family is healthier now. We have more space to exercise and enjoy a better lifestyle. We have settled in comfortably and only go to the city center when necessary.”

What is your viewpoint on this matter?

*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match Read’ viewpoints.