Location, Location, Location: Where Do People Want to Live?
What criteria define the newest hotspots for moving families and professionals?
We’ve all heard it said that house hunting often boils down to location, location, location. But what does that really mean? Are people just looking for a safe neighborhood? A quiet street? Proximity to the grocery store? Recent trends indicate that those on the hunt for a lot or home are looking for these five criteria in their future location.
Ease of Lifestyle
Commutes longer than half an hour look less favorable by the day as remote work stretches on for much of the workforce. Short commutes and plenty of nearby community resources like grocery stores, medical centers, schools, and restaurants rank high on the list. This ease and proximity explain why many people opt to live near downtown areas: everything you need is right there.
Good Schools
Some things never change, and the priority of living near good schools is one of those things! Millennials with children reaching school age, as well as older families relocating, often opt for neighborhoods that fall into highly-rated public school districts or offer close proximity to respected private schools. Having a school within walking distance is an even bigger plus!
Community
Having neighbors you know and trust isn’t necessarily something you can determine before moving in, but buyers do talk about searching for a tight-knit feel in their prospective neighborhoods. When curb appeal is consistent all down the block, lawns seem cared for, and neighbors can be seen out and about, the home or lot becomes more attractive overall.
Convenience
Increasing proportions of buyers are looking for communities that can serve as a one-stop shop, where they can live, work, run errands, and play without embarking on a lengthy drive. Being able to take a quick walk to a local bar after work is a huge draw for young buyers. Interestingly, this doesn’t always mean choosing the city center or the largest metropolis. Some suburbs and outskirts now offer clusters of attractions and resources, without city prices or downtown parking struggles.
Affordability
This year’s numbers indicate that buyers are leaving cities like New York and San Francisco in the rearview. But even after leaving overcrowded coastal cities, many eager homebuyers struggle to find affordable homes in today’s competitive market. Existing homes aren’t always ideally located, and when they are, they often lack updated design and finishes - yet buyers are fighting for them tooth and nail. Instead of taking risks like waiving inspections or covering appraisal gaps, countless buyers are turning to homebuilding to land their dream location without breaking the bank.
If you’re ready to build your dream home on your ideally-located lot, you’re in luck! Atmos experts are here to help you design and build your custom Atmos home, the simple way.
