When searching for apartments many of us concentrate on amenities, features and price, but often one extremely important factor is overlooked. Location is a HUGE deal when you are on the apartment search and it's extremely important that you don't overlook it.
Why is location important?
Saving On Your Commute
One of the biggest factors in why location is important is saving yourself on commute distance. Living somewhere with a short commute for you can result in less time wasted in traffic and less money spent on GAS or to charge up the EV. Whether it is to school, work, or your daily round of golf, the average 15-20 commuter spends between $50-100 in gas per week going to and from. And we all know that gas prices can jump around, so $50-$100 at the beginning of your lease could mean $100-$150 by the middle. Multiply this by 52 weeks a year and your are well into the $5000 range. If you live in an apartment within biking or walking distance from school or work, not only do you have the opportunity to be physically fit just from you commute, but you also have the opportunity to save yourself some money.
Convenience
Convenience and how close you are to all of the necessities is another important thing to factor in when considering location. Knowing where the nearest grocery store or shopping center is and more importantly having them close by can save you a ton of time and energy. Being in walking distance is an even bigger plus. If you are having to drive 20 miles to the nearest store to pick up a 6 pack, you are not doing yourself any justice.
Not just that, but what about all of the other little things? Getting your prescriptions refilled, visiting your bank, getting Mittens to the vet, or filling up your tank. All of these things and whatever else you need to do to get things done daily, should factor into your decision on location.
Your Chill Out Spots
You should also think about the places that you like to hang out. It won't make a lot of sense to hang out at your favorite spot downtown if you live 45 miles out in the burbs. Costs for rideshare from a "very fun" night out can get through the roof. If you find yourself in the mix nearly every night enjoying certain nightlife spots, then consider an apartment in a location that is close to your favorite hangout - and a very cheap ride share ride away.
Be Close to Your People
One of the absolute most important factors to consider with regard to location of your next apartment is how far away you live from your significant others, your friends and your family. You should always take into account their locations in relation to your potential new home. You'd hate to get an apartment that is close to work yet is 50 miles from your BFF who you drive to see several times a week. And if you're that far - she'll never come see you either. The closer you are to Mom's famous pot roast the less you'll have to spend money on groceries and eating out. And maybe you can get her to help out with your laundry every now and then if you live close. So when choosing the perfect location for your place make sure and pick a happy medium between your people as well as your job.
We can't emphasize it enough. Location. Location. Location. It's extremely important to weigh all factors that go into having the perfect location for everything in your life when deciding on the best place for you. If you can find a place that is within a mile from everywhere that you need to be...YOU ARE SET!!!
