Finding A Great Neighborhood When Leasing

On Finding A Great Neighborhood When Leasing A Fully-Furnished Apartment

Relocating is a stressful ordeal. You’re forced to leave behind the people you know and the surroundings with which you’re familiar. You’re thrown into an environment that is new and strange, with unfamiliar faces looking your way. Add to this the time and effort involved with moving, making sure your utilities are turned on, and getting settled in your new home. It’s easy to understand why relocating, even on a temporary basis, is among the most anxiety-laden activities.

One of the challenges of moving is finding a good neighborhood. Each community offers its own unique flavor and appeal as well as potential downsides. It’s worth doing a little investigative work to ensure you find an environment that suits your lifestyle.

This article is presented in the context of finding a good neighborhood in which to lease corporate housing on a temporary basis. It’s worth noting, the following steps can easily apply to a permanent move, though with a few additions and adjustments.

Step 1: Decide On The Type Of Environment You Enjoy

Some communities will be better suited for you than others based on your lifestyle and preferences. For example, you might enjoy the ambiance of an apartment complex that routinely hosts sports parties. Or, you may prefer the quiet atmosphere of a condo where residents keep to themselves. You might want to stay in a pet-friendly complex, or avoid pets altogether.

The most important thing to remember is that a neighborhood that is perfect for one person might make life miserable for another. With that in mind, decide on the types of things you enjoy, along with those that might annoy you.

Step 2: Determine Your Priorities And Constraints

In addition to your preferences, you’ll need to consider your priorities, which may be entirely different. For example, suppose you’re staying in a fully-furnished corporate apartment while working on a temporary, long-term assignment for your employer. It may be necessary that your apartment is within a reasonably close distance to your employer’s office. You’ll need to take this constraint into account when choosing a neighborhood to live in.

It’s important to identify all such priorities before leasing a corporate condo or apartment. Doing so will help ensure your living environment is comfortable and relaxing while its location still meets your needs.

Step 3: Research Neighborhoods Online

If the area to which you’re relocating is a great distance from your current home, it may not be feasible to visit a large list of neighborhoods. Time is limited, especially if you have young children. You might need to pare down your list of potential communities.

Fortunately, you can conduct a large portion of your research online. There are several useful websites that rate cities by various criteria. For example, a tool called “You Are Where You Live” – search Google for the site’s address – displays the type of residents who live in a particular zip code. GreatSchools.org shows the cities with the best-rated schools. NeighborhoodScout.com rates communities by home appreciation rates, crime rates, and many other criteria. There are many other helpful sites that provide a similar service.

The more you can find out about neighborhoods from the comfort of your home, the fewer you’ll need to physically visit. That saves a lot of time and money in travel expenses.

Step 4: Reach Out To Others Who Live In The Area

Regardless of how much research you do from home, there is significant value in speaking with those who live in the area you’re thinking of moving to. They can provide a first-hand account of life in their neighborhood. If you don’t know anyone who lives in the area, ask your friends and family members whether they do. They might be willing to make an introduction.

You can also use online services, such as MeetUp.com, to reach out to local residents. They can give you a glimpse of their neighborhoods that might not be evident from your online research.

Step 5: Visit The Neighborhoods On Your “Short List”

Once you narrow down your list of potential communities to relocate to, it’s important to visit them in person. You’ll gain personal insight into what life will be like living there. Try to visit neighborhoods during the week and on the weekend, both during the day and evening. The environment may change drastically from one period to the next.

If possible, strike up conversations with residents. Ask them to describe the things they like most about their communities, and changes they’d like to see. This can provide a unique glimpse into characteristics that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Step 6: Speak With A Corporate Housing Provider

Your corporate housing provider can help you narrow down neighborhoods based on your preferences. Most companies maintain a portfolio of several properties found in many different locations. They are very familiar with the environments in which the properties are located, and can provide valuable insight to help you choose from among them.

Moving to a new area, even temporarily while on a long-term work assignment, is always stressful. Leasing a corporate apartment can help smooth the experience by providing the amenities you enjoy at home. Use the six steps above to find a comfortable, enjoyable neighborhood that accommodates your priorities and preferences.

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