When you work in an a downtown center, you have to decide whether to live closer to your job, which allows for a short commute and easy access to entertainment, or further away, which might allow for a spot of nature or quiet that you can’t find in a city. The choice is never an easy one, but it’s something many people have to face.
If you’re unsure of whether to move closer to your job or not, take these factors into consideration:
Commuting
Of course, if you live closer, you gain more time in your day to do the things that you want to do. Even if it’s just half an hour, that’s something!
Additionally, look at your options for public transportation. Being closer to the center of the city might open up a wider array of options.
Living
If you live in the heart of a city, you generally pay a much higher amount per square foot. This is because price is generally correlated with population density. Your space will also probably be smaller in size.
Living conditions
Naturally, your values greatly influence how you feel about living in a city. Some things to consider are: crowds, noise, proximity to nature, and cultural events.
Comparisons
Think about where you live now and what you want from where you’re moving in comparison. Think about the logistical aspects as well as the environmental ones. Think about things like cost, space, access to services, the length of your job, and transportation.
Again, it’s also important to think about how much you value your free time. Is it worth the extra money? Is it worth any other personal negatives of living in an urban center?
Source: The Simple Dollar