Getting Around a New City: Why Buyers Must Factor in Local Transport and Commute Times

Home buyers want to find the perfect place to live, but there are more considerations that factor into this investment beyond the home's appeal itself. Those who work, go to school, love to shop, or like to eat out a lot will want to consider commute times and the home's proximity to major roadways or highways if they are on the route.

Those relying on public transportation may want to ensure the community offers services useful for their needs. Another consideration is noise levels. Some buyers don't mind living in a home with some street noise, while others do. These factors are discussed in this short guide.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

How Long Are Commute Times?

In certain cities and on some major thoroughfares, traffic can be heavy during peak hours. This can make even a short commute a time-consuming one and add minutes or hours to a necessary daily drive.

When considering homes, use online mapping sites to view nearby public transit availability, roads, and average hourly drive times. Public transit can be convenient, but there are often delays in certain cities, so factor in extra time if planning to use local systems.

Those using a personal vehicle will want to explore auto insurance costs and parking fees in the city as well as include maintenance and fuel expenses. If commuting from the home is a challenge, it could affect the resale value of the property.

Ample Public Transportation Access Is a Huge Plus

Many buyers wholly or heavily rely on public transportation or at least prefer to have access to it to reduce their carbon footprint and for convenience. Some smaller communities might have little or no access to public transit, while larger metropolitan cities might have several choices. Some options that are desirable and add value to a home when available include:

• Bus lines
• Light rail
• Taxi or cab
• Ridesharing
• Subway
• Train

However, public transportation might not be important to buyers who are accustomed to relying on cars, but it could be a huge plus for those from a big city who prefer to travel without driving.

How Important Are Nearby Roads?

The answer to this question is highly dependent on the lifestyle and needs of the resident or home buyer. Those on the go frequently or who have responsibilities routinely like school, employment, or volunteer duties tend to prefer homes with access to main thoroughfares, highways, and even multiple routes.

Checking the noise levels prior to buying a home should be on the shopper's list, and if low noise is a priority for them, the house value is reduced in their mind. This might also be true for households with pets or children who might find nearby streets that are less trafficked to be preferable. Essentially, home value appreciation or depreciation will rely on what the buyer is really looking for.

Looking for the Perfect Home?

A great way to find the ideal house is to consult with a professional real estate expert in the local area. They will guide buyers to places near the transit options they find essential, while assisting sellers in maximizing on the value of location when appealing to potential buyers.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.