Should You Commute to Work?
Deciding to commute to work is a common choice among those who value selectivity in home buying. According to CNBC, a 2018 study showed that commuters spend an average of 26.1 minutes driving to work every morning. While not all homeowners are commuters, it is a popular choice that is made by those who carefully weigh their options.
The Choice Is Yours
A commuter is typically someone that travels to the city for work, but lives in a suburb or more rural area outside of the city. There are a multitude of reasons why someone may choose to commute to work. Here is a list of the most common reasons why someone may or may not decide to commute to the city.
1. Cost of Living
The most practical reason for living outside of the city comes down to expenses. It can be expensive living in a big city, especially for homeowners. Space is limited in a city with a large population, which can increase the cost of housing. There are other cost factors to consider, like whether gas and groceries are cheaper outside of the city. This may steer someone toward a more suburban environment when they realize that even with a thirty minute commute, they would still be saving money in the long run.
2. Family and Community
Another practical reason one may choose to commute to work is to stay close to family and friends. Being near loved ones is an important factor for many to consider. Transplanting family may not be worth it to some, who would rather drive the distance in order to keep everybody close together. Conversely, if you already live in the city and have close ties to your community, you may consider staying and working there rather than moving further out.
3. Timeline
Perhaps you found your dream home and are willing to compromise to live where you love. If you are already established in one town, but a job is in another, that may not be such a bad thing. For many, driving the extra miles to ensure they get to return to a place they are excited to call home is all the reason they need to continue to commute.
4. Lifestyle
You probably have heard the term "city-slicker", and you may or may not classify yourself as one. While some embrace the hustle and bustle of city culture, others prefer the quiet serenity of a more rural landscape. It is important to consider your happiness above all else and reflect on what type of life you can see yourself living. You may find that driving the distance is worth being able to come home to your "natural habitat".
5. Convenience
Living in a city can be downright convenient. When you are located in the heart of a city, it can feel like everything is right at your fingertips. When you live close to work, you have the option of walking or biking. You also get more sleep that would otherwise be going toward commuting. Lastly, the city can offer a wider variety of entertainment, food, and shopping.
At the end of the day, choosing whether to commute or live in the city comes down to what will enrich your life the most, and everyone is different. There are a lot of great options for city as well as suburban homeowners. Britton Homes offers a selection of communities for prospective homeowners to choose from. The community of Walsh, for instance, is nestled just outside of Fort Worth in a community that provides the best of both worlds.