One of the first decisions apartment hunters have to make is the location of their new home. Whether they’ve lived in the area before or not, there are a few factors to take into consideration when searching for the perfect spot. Becoming a local in a new neighborhood comes with a learning curve, so we’ve gathered the most important elements of any relocation decision.
Lifestyle
Before you begin your apartment search, you should take an inventory of your current lifestyle and what you aspire your lifestyle to be. Your home is what anchors you to places you’ll spend your time. If eating out is one of your favorite ways to spend the evening, make sure that you’re living near a lot of restaurant options. If you have an in-person job, consider how long your daily commute will be. If you have kids, consider the distance from parks or other family-friendly locations.
The list is endless. A good way to stay organized and make sure you check off everything on your list is to write down what a week in your current and ideal life would look like. Include what you would do for fun, but also what your responsibilities and chores are and who you’d spend your time with. Then write down where all of these bullet points would take place. You now have a list of essential locations that you should live near.
Transportation
Sometimes choosing to live a little further away from your job or from the city's conveniences can be a worthwhile investment if you consider the transportation available to you. Factors like being located close to a highway or near a bus stop or train station can allow you to live the best of both worlds, finding the perfect apartment for you.
Budget
It’s no secret that the price of living can be vastly different depending on your location. Each state has its own unique circumstances, such as income tax, sales tax, rent prices, and grocery costs. Furthermore, city-dwellers often pay a premium for their lifestyle of convenience, whereas living in the county or satellite cities might provide a lower-budget option to experience the energy of the city lights.
By considering more than just your monthly rent budget, you can find the general area you should spend your time apartment searching in. It’s also important to keep in mind that luxury apartments on the outskirts of big cities could give you more bang for your buck, including amenities and state-of-the-art facilities, than a cramped studio in a highrise. Be sure to consider your options and find the apartment that will check off all your priorities.
Become a local expert
Visiting any new neighborhood before signing a lease is a great way to get to know the area. You can chat with neighbors, explore the walkable areas, and get a feel for the events that might happen. Stopping by in person also allows you to get an up-close look at the apartment unit you might be eyeing, so you can ensure it’s up to your standards. At 444 Social, we also offer virtual tours so that you can rent with confidence. Our luxury apartments on the outskirts of Chicago are conveniently located near everything you could desire.
To learn more about Lincolnshire or 444 Social, click here and speak with a leasing agent.