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The decision about where to reside when you’re shopping for an apartment, or rather where one calls home, is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Location significantly impacts happiness, comfort, and to some extent, even health.
The selection of a home or apartment should go well beyond financial considerations. It should include questions of convenience to schools, shopping, work, and transportation. It should include apartment size, comfort, reputation, and amenities.
Quick Summary Video (if you prefer), and then keep reading:
Why Location Is Important
After financial considerations, the location of an apartment community should be given the highest priority with regard to choosing a place to live. People usually travel to work, school, shopping, medical destinations, and family and friends’ homes from their place of residence. They go to houses of worship, recreational facilities, entertainment venues, and cultural centers. It is important to consider distance, travel time, and transportation costs to all these destinations when apartment shopping.
In addition to the above, one should also consider the walkability of an area.
Walkability
Walkability is a term often used by housing professionals like builders and architects. It refers to the renewed emphasis and focus on more interactive neighborhoods. How easy is it to walk around the area so you can acquire the things you need in your day-to-day life (think groceries and pharmaceuticals, for example). Walkability factors include things like sidewalks, the right of way of pedestrians, and proximity.
There is so much to consider, a company has developed a proprietary algorithm to determine an area’s walkability or “walk score”. You can compare walk scores of various apartment buildings by simply entering in the address or name of the apartment building onto the WalkScore Website.
Easy Access to Downtown
Living in the suburbs has its benefits, but living in the city generally allows for a greater selection of shopping and educational opportunities. Cities are also where an overwhelming majority of the national and regional cultural (museums of art, history, and science) and entertainment centers (such as ballparks, and theaters) are to be found.
Parks and Recreation
The advantages of living downtown can often be reversed when you consider access to recreation facilities and parks.
Most suburban municipalities have considerably more parks and sport-specific recreational ball fields than center city.
Travel Time and Cost
With the advent of tools like Bing and Google Maps, it is relatively easy to figure out a route and travel time to your desired destination. Google (and other sites) allow you to not only consider driving time, but travel time via any combination of driving, train, and walking routes. Even if you are somewhat familiar with an area, the use of such a tool will quickly provide answers that allow you to compare one location to another. If you commute to work or school on a regular basis, the time (and cost!) of travel are of primary consideration.
Many more people are choosing to live near transit hubs because of these very reasons. In fact, an industry acronym for such a property has been coined TOD or Transit-Oriented Development.
In addition to saving time and money, transportation modes such as the train reduce stress and afford the traveler the ability to rest or to take advantage of travel time for productive purposes such as work or study.
If one makes exclusive use of an automobile as their primary mode of transportation, one should consider the best route to and from the start location and the destination point during peak and off-peak traffic hours. Wintertime travel should also be considered. How far and over what type of roads will one need to travel and how will this affect travel time? Primary roads such as US-1, I-95, and the turnpike are the first roads to be cleared in the wintertime. Depending on the snow event, secondary roads may not be attended to for as much as one, two, or more days after a major event.
The location of an apartment being considered as your primary residence is important because it affects the convenience and quality of your life. There are many things to consider before you can arrive at the “right” decision for you and your family.
Alright, buckle up! Let's dive into the intricacies of choosing the perfect apartment location.
Now, I'm no real estate mogul, but I've dabbled in the art of apartment hunting enough to know a thing or two. Evidence, you ask? Well, I've scoured countless neighborhood reviews, compared walk scores like a pro, and practically memorized traffic patterns on Google Maps. So, here's the rundown:
1. Financial Considerations: The article rightly points out that while finances matter, they shouldn't be the sole driver. The cost of living is more than just rent; it's about the overall impact on your lifestyle.
2. Location Is King: After you've balanced the books, location takes the throne. It affects your daily grind—commuting to work, school, shopping, medical visits, and even social hangouts. A prime spot can be the key to unlocking happiness, comfort, and maybe even better health.
3. Walkability: This isn't just a real estate buzzword; it's a lifestyle. Walkability measures how easy it is to stroll around and grab your essentials. Sidewalks, pedestrian rights, and proximity to amenities are your best friends here. There's even a fancy algorithm to calculate an area's walkability, thanks to a company with their proprietary score.
4. Easy Access to Downtown: City living offers a smorgasbord of opportunities—shopping, education, culture, and entertainment. But, hey, suburbs have their perks too. It's a trade-off between city hustle and suburban tranquility.
5. Parks and Recreation: The grass is always greener, right? While downtown might have the theaters and museums, suburbs boast parks and recreational fields. Consider what suits your lifestyle—cultural outings or a weekend kickabout in the park.
6. Travel Time and Cost: Thanks to technology, you can now plan your commute like a military operation. Tools like Google Maps lay out the best routes, considering driving, train, or even walking. Commuting near transit hubs (TOD, if you want to sound like an insider) is a growing trend for those valuing time, money, and sanity.
7. Weather Considerations: Don't let the sunshine fool you; winter can be a game-changer. Consider the snow clearance situation on your route. Primary roads may be a breeze, but secondary ones might turn into a winter wonderland for a while.
So, there you have it—the ultimate guide to apartment hunting. Consider these factors, and you'll be on your way to finding the perfect spot to call home. Happy hunting!
