If you're looking for a new home, it’s important to consider your commute to work or school. When you hear the word "commute" images of crowded highways, packed buses and angry drivers honking their horns usually come to mind.
But have no fear! By factoring your commute into your next home buying decision, your mind will be at ease knowing you’ve considered this. You may even find that your drive times won’t change all that much.
Weigh the Pros & Cons
It’s important to weigh all of the pros and cons of your drive times once you’ve moved to a new community. If commuting to work takes a few extra minutes a day, is that worth it to you? Especially if you enjoy a nicer home located in a new neighbourhood with more amenities and closer access to nature trails, ponds, playgrounds, and recreational activities?
Ask and answer some of these other questions when deciding on what community is best for you:
- If it takes more time commuting to work or school, is this time offset by spending less time travelling to nearby amenities?
- Can you save money by using public transportation?
- Would working or studying on the bus save you time later in your day?
- Is carpooling an option?
- Will you save time taking your kids to school or other activities?
You may find that you'll spend a few extra minutes every day travelling to work, and that’s okay. Just don’t forget about the many benefits that come with living in a newer community in the suburbs.
Either way, it’s really important to answer these questions when deciding which community to live in. Don’t find out you’re unhappy with how long it takes to get places after you’ve moved into your new home.
Calculate Your Regular Commutes
It's important to get an accurate idea of how long it’s going to take you to travel to school, work, daily or weekly appointments, sporting events, and your local shopping centres. There are a few easy ways to figure this out.
Route Finding
First, take advantage of Google Maps, which will give you a pretty accurate idea of how long it will take to get to your destination. It is also good for suggesting alternative routes to save you time.
If you plan on using public transit to get to work or other destinations, find the best way to get there using the Trip Planner Tool provided by Edmonton Transit Service. It will tell you when to depart, which busses or trains to take, and when you can expect to be at your destination.
Take a Test Drive
After you’ve found the fastest route from your new home, as well as a few alternates, try to drive the route following your normal schedule.
The Choice is Yours
In the end, only you can decide whether adding a little more to your commute time is worth moving to a new community. But it’s important to remember that buying a new home is a long-term decision, and where you work and where your kids go to school could change over time.
No matter how your calculations turn out, remember to take the time to thoroughly consider all of the pros and cons of moving to a new community before you make your decision. A few more minutes spent in your car or on public transit isn’t a big deal if it means you get to live in a fantastic new home in a wonderful community.
