If there are walls around the suburb, thats a red flag right there.
I live in the suburbs, but then again, in my neighborhood I have all the services that I need. Plenty of shopping, banks, post office, restaurants, movies. The two top bike stores in town are within walking distance. The bus is at the corner, with bike racks on it. It's safe enough that I have no hesitation in walking around at any time of day or night. And work is only 3 miles away.