Picking the right location in which to live (even if it’s just a short term stay) can add years to your life and dollars to your pocket. It’s just a simple matter of determining what’s important to you. Here is a basic list of what to consider when scouting a location…
Things to Consider When Choosing a Location:
- Employment
Avoiding a stressfully long commute and daily traffic congestion can add years to your life and a little extra money in your pocket just from the gasoline savings, not to mention the advantages of maintaining lower vehicle mileage. Being close to your job definitely has its benefits – unless you work at a plutonium enrichment facility or sewage treatment plant, then you might want to live as far away as possible from the smell and toxic waste.
- Public Transportation
This isn’t just for those that do not have cars; many public transit systems (especially in the nation’s bigger cities that operate on a railway) make the daily commute easier and more affordable for those that do own vehicles. Something to consider if it’s a tossup between one unit that is near a station or pick up point versus one that’s not.
- School District
For those who have children, you should research area schools to determine where you prefer your children to attend. There are many statistics available on the Internet that will assist in grading area schools.
- Crime
This is an interesting topic, because real estate professionals and landlords (in fear of violating Fair Housing Laws) have to tiptoe around the issue of criminal activity when asked questions about any given area. Therefore, you should do your own research by contacting the local police or sheriff’s department for area statistics.
- Conveniences
Depending on your personal needs and priorities, living near a grocery store, shopping mall, hospital or places of worship may make life a little easier. Tenants can get so caught up with the superficial traits of a rental unit or apartment complex amenities, they tend to forget about the conveniences that an area may offer, even though the rental may not be as plush or new.