Everyone will tell you that when choosing where to live that location is everything. And it is.
Your home absorbs a huge investment in not only money, but time and emotion, and there are so many factors that can determine whether where you live adds to your quality of life or not.
When choosing where to live there are so many considerations, and whilst if you get the choice wrong you could move, the expense and emotional impact of uprooting your life again is often just too much for some people.
In previous guides we have looked at most aspects of choosing where to live: the cities, towns, and regions of the UK, whether to live in the country or the city, whether a flat or bungalow would suit you better, whether moving abroad is a good idea, moving for schools, or jobs, or hobbies, to be nearer family, or to enable multi-generational living.
You may like to read those guides to help you choose where to live next, so we have created a library of guides dedicated to this whole subject that you can find in Choosing Where to Live Next.
But now we want to take that a step further and examine the physical location of a home, to see what the pros and cons are of living in a cul-de-sac, on the main road, near shops, or next to a park or field are.
So in this week’s home moving blog, we will offer you some suggestions of things to consider when choosing exactly where your next home would be situated.
Why does location matter when buying a house? A good location is desirable and therefore attracts demand, which in turn increases the value of property in that area.
But it is the sum of the parts that make the location desirable that is important for many people, rather than the fact that they may get a good return for their investment in 10 years’ time.
It is the quality of life that they can attain now, the amenities and benefits of living in a good area that is important.
And of course, a house can always be improved fairly easily and you have control over that, whereas the actual location you have almost zero ability to improve yourself.
So what are the top things to look for when buying a home, what makes an area desirable to live in?
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Everyone has different ideas of what makes a great location for a home. Some will want to live near a wide variety of entertainment venues or bars, some will need to be near good schools, whilst others will want to live in a tranquil area far from anyone.
So what makes a great place to live for one person could be another’s idea of hell.
But here are some things to consider when choosing a location for your next home.
#1 Forever Home or an Investment?
Consider whether this is your home for life, or you see it as more of an investment or a stepping stone to your forever home.
If this will be your forever home consider if good schools are important to you now or could be in the future. How important is public transport, the road or rail network? How accessible are healthcare and support services as you get older? What amenities are there in the area for the kids as they get older?
If this home is more of an investment then you need to find out if there is any investment planned for the area, and crucially, is the home compatible with the type of buyer who is attracted to that area. For example, investing in flats or homes suitable for multiple occupancies could be a sound investment in a university city.
Your personal circumstances will affect not only the area that you want to live in but the type of home you need or want.
If you are career-minded then you will want a location where there are good opportunities for employment.
If you have a family then you will likely want to live in an area with good schools.
If you are retired then you may want easy access to lots of cultural venues or places of interest.
You may want to live where you can rock climb or go fishing or painting.
#3 What is Important to You?
Make a list of all the things that are must-haves when it comes to where you want to live.
Then list all the nice-to-have things that are not a deal-breaker.
Finally, list all the things that would immediately exclude an area from your search.
#4 The Future
Nobody has a crystal ball when it comes to what is going to happen in the future.
But if you do enough research you may be able to identify an area that although it is not particularly desirable now, local investment and regeneration are planned that would skyrocket local property prices.
Equally, a beautifully tranquil village now may be earmarked for housing developments that will trash local house prices and totally ruin the village.
Consider what your future needs may be, that could be easy access to healthcare, plenty of things for teenagers to do, or what would you do if the local public transport stopped coming to that location.
Scour the local councils’ planning department website pages to see what their vision is for the future of the area. Look at local business investment forums and do general web searches to see if there are any plans for new rail links or wind farms in that area for example.
A few hours of searching now could reap you big rewards in the future or could prevent your forever home dream from being ruined.
It is finally worth mentioning that neighbours are the one thing that can ruin any location. And I intentionally excluded the word ‘bad’ as what constitutes a bad neighbour to one person does not to another.
Noisy neighbours may be an irritation or could make your life a nightmare. Living in a village where everybody knows your business could ruin your idyllic location for you, or living in a city where nobody talks to you could lead to a very lonely life.
So whilst the location is almost always the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a great place to live, I would balance that with having like-minded people around you, people who share your values and respect each other. People really can make or break your happiness.
You may like to read: How to Deal With the Anxiety of New Neighbours in which we look at ways to combat the anxiety you experience when moving to a new area or when new neighbours are moving in next door.
In the following sections, we look at the actual position of a home within an ideal area. Whilst the area can tick every item on your wish list, if the house is situated in a bad position then it may be a deal-breaker.
The Pros and Cons of Living on a Cul-de-sac
The term cul-de-sac translates as ‘bottom of the sack’ in French, so if you were wondering what a cul-de-sac is, it is a dead-end street that ends in a crescent-shaped bend that cars can easily turn around in.
Living in a cul-de-sac is seen as very desirable and therefore homes command premium prices.
But is living in a cul-de-sac right for you?
Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of living in a cul-de-sac:
What Are The Benefits of Living in a Cul-de-sac?
Less Traffic. As it is a no-through road, there won’t be streams of cars passing your windows 24 hours a day.
Safer for Kids. Because there are fewer cars, it is safer for kids to play out on the streets. And because the houses face each other, it is easier for neighbours to keep an eye on the kids too.
No Passers-by. The only people walking down your street will be those who live there.
Less Litter. Fewer people on your street means there will be less mess on the streets
Peace and Quiet. Fewer cars and fewer people usually equate to a more peaceful street to live in.
Community Spirit. Because every household is basically your neighbour, and it is hard to avoid seeing them, there is more of a community spirit than those living on linear streets.
Safety. According to Neighourhood Crime Factors 2021 published by the College of Policing, burglars are most likely to avoid homes in true cul-de-sacs and where houses face each other.
Security. Because the houses face each other and you will likely know every neighbour, there is a sense of security living in a cul-de-sac, a feeling that people are watching out for you.
Property Prices. As cul-de-sacs are considered desirable places to live, they command a premium price tag, so when you come to sell, you should get a good return on your investment.
What Are The Disadvantages of Living in a Cul-de-sac?
Lack of Parking. Parking in a cul-de-sac can be an issue, especially if you have regular visitors. It is also worth noting if commuters or shoppers use the cul-de-sac for parking which could cause you problems.
Lack of Privacy. Because homes overlook each other you may feel a lack of privacy, that everyone can see your every movement.
Kids Playing. If you have no kids of your own, having kids playing outside your home could be really annoying.
Street Maintenance. In the snow and ice, your road is going to be one of the last to be gritted as the main roads will be given priority. That may also apply to road repairs and street maintenance.
Cut-Throughs. Many cul-de-sacs have footpaths at the bottom that cut through to other streets or parks. Be wary that they are not used by streams of kids getting to the park, kids on mopeds using them as short-cuts, or that it is not a highway for drunks on the way home.
Bad Neighbours. If you have a bad neighbour it will be almost impossible to ignore them.
So living on a cul-de-sac has many advantages and a few disadvantages. Most people love living in cul-de-sacs, whilst a few hate the feeling that they are being watched by the neighbours, so cul-de-sac living will not suit everyone.
One thing to consider is that even if you have discounted a near-perfect area to live in because it felt just a little too busy or noisy if your budget stretches to it, then a cul-de-sac in even a busy area can offer a sanctuary of peace and quiet.
You may also like to read House, Flat, or Bungalow: Which is Best for Me? This article explores the different styles of home you could live in and looks at the pros and cons of each type of home and whether they would be a good fit for your lifestyle.
Pros and Cons of Living on a Main Road
For most people, the thought of buying a home on the main road will be a non-starter. But there must be some advantages to living on the main road, so don’t discount the idea until you have read our pros and cons lists.
What Are The Advantages of Living on a Main Road?
Walkability. The pavements alongside main roads tend to be well-maintained so if you have mobility problems then there will be fewer broken slabs or obstacles to fall over.
Accessibility. Along the same lines as above, but if you have a pushchair or use a wheelchair then paths tend to be wider and better maintained along main roads.
Easy access to amenities. Living on a main road often gives you easier and quicker access to local amenities and services.
Better Public Transport. Often main roads have numerous bus or tram stops which makes public transport much more convenient to use.
Security. Because there are more people about day and night, you may feel safer walking in the dark, or just by having people around you.
CCTV. Main roads tend to be covered by CCTV cameras which will enhance your personal safety.
Emergency Services. Being on the main road, if you need the emergency services they will likely get to you quicker.
Being around people. Just being around people can have a positive effect on your mental health. Some people thrive on the buzz and energy of having people around them.
Street Maintenance. If there is a burst water main or street light out, then being on the main road they will be given priority by the repair teams.
More home for your money. Homes on main roads tend to be cheaper than other homes, so you will get a far bigger and better home for your money.
Easier commuting. If the main road feeds straight into your commuting route then this could save you time, money, and stress.
What Are The Disadvantages of Living on a Main Road?
Pollution. Not only will the air be more polluted along a main road, but your home will get dirtier from the dust and dirt in the air too.
Noise. You are likely to get some level of noise 24/7.
Emergency Services Routes. If the emergency services use that main road then you will have blue lights streaming in through your windows all day and night, sirens throughout the day, and fast-moving vehicles right outside your home.
Lack of Privacy. All day and night people will be walking past your windows, and they will look into your home unless you keep the curtains drawn all the time.
Parking. Parking can be subject to yellow lines and tow zones, so if you have no driveway, 2 cars, or visitors, then parking may be an issue. In some cases, you may have to pay for a resident’s parking permit which can be astronomical.
Driveways. If you are lucky enough to have a driveway, then coming off, or onto, the main road could be tricky or even dangerous.
Kid and Pet Safety. Main roads are particularly dangerous if you have kids or pets, outdoor cats especially will be almost impossible to keep safe.
Maintenance Costs. Heavy traffic passing by, pollution, dust, and dirt will all take a toll on the exterior of your home and will mean regular maintenance to keep it in good condition.
Resale Value. Homes on main roads tend to be cheaper than those on quieter roads. The problem is that unless a bypass route is created in the future, your main road will only get busier and busier, so the value of your home could decrease even further.
So, is living on the main road a good idea or a really bad idea? For some people, it could make perfect sense, and some of the disadvantages of living on the main road may not be as much of a problem as you think.
It is amazing how quickly you get used to the noise around you and almost become oblivious to it.
And with more and more eco-friendly routes being introduced into cities, tolls placed on cars and lorries to go into the big towns and cities, you may find in a few years’ time that your main road is no longer the main road.
Also consider that as electric and hybrid cars become the norm, then pollution, dirt, and noise will become less of an issue when living on a main road.
Therefore, if you buy a house on a main road, you get more home for your money now but with a few inconveniences. But in a few years’ time, the disadvantages of living on a main road may have all but disappeared and you could see their value increase significantly. Just something to think about.
Is it a good idea to live near shops? Living around the corner from a local convenience store will be different than living in a direct line from it. A home within a short distance of a shopping centre or trade park will have different issues than a home just off the high street.
Living next door to a shop will be totally different than living 10 doors down from it. The type of stores and their opening hours will also have a bearing on how being near them affects you.
There is also the possibility that the use of the store may change in the future. A florist that opens 9 to 5 may have no impact on your quality of life now but if that store closes and becomes a takeaway for example, then your quality of life could be dramatically altered.
There is so much to consider and so many variables when trying to answer that question, so here is a list of things that you may want to consider before deciding to live near shops.
What are The Advantages of Living Near Shops?
Convenience. If the shops are within walking distance then you will save on bus fares, parking charges, fuel, and time. A 2-minute walk down the road is far preferable to having to hop on a bus or get in the car every time you forget to get a loaf of bread.
Public Transport. If it is a parade of shops or a trade park for example then public transport usually serves these well. It is therefore unlikely to have services cut in the future and you will be well connected to the rest of the town.
Amenities. Shops tend to attract investment and growth and vice versa, where there is investment and growth, then shops will gravitate to that area. And with shops often come gyms, cafes, fast food outlets, and a host of other amenities that you may find super convenient to have nearby.
Property Prices. Depending on the range of stores, and what those stores are, you may find that people are attracted to that area, and therefore the price of property increases.
Job Opportunities. If you need work then shops are usually regularly looking for staff. The great thing about shop work is that there is usually a vast range of shifts, part-time work, and flexible work hours, which can be great if you need to work around family or other commitments.
Increased Security. Often the areas around shops have excellent CCTV and increased Police patrols which may help you feel more confident about walking around your area on your own.
What are The Disadvantages of Living Near Shops?
Anti-Social Behaviour. Fast-food stores and off-licences for example are where groups of youths tend to congregate and anti-social behaviour is usually a problem around such places.
Litter. Not only do the shop customers create litter but often the stores themselves, and therefore the streets around stores can often be an eyesore. You may also find your front garden becomes a waste bin as people passing by discard their rubbish into it.
Noise. Shops attract people and cars and therefore these areas are likely to be busy and noisy. The stores may also get very early morning deliveries (especially newsagents) or very late at night you may get vans and lorries passing your home.
Car Noise. It is not just passing car noise but people who will just nip into the shop and leave their car radio blaring, the engine idling, or are slamming their car doors.
Parking. Is there ample parking in the area or will you often find your driveway or garage blocked?
How late do the stores open? Late-night stores, whilst convenient, do tend to attract anti-social behaviour.
How early do the stores open? The noise issues mentioned above are no fun at 6 in the morning when you worked the late shift and are trying to sleep, or trying to have a lay-in on a Sunday morning.
Crime. I once lived in a small town where the local supermarket was the victim of several armed robberies. That was bad enough in itself, but the area was cordoned off for hours on end every time with no way of gaining access to your home. Just something for you to think about.
Lack of Privacy. If your home is on a direct route to the shops you may suffer from a lack of privacy with passers-by peering into your windows for example.
Smells. Living just down from the chippy may be super convenient but the smell of grease wafting through your windows will not be so good.
Inconvenience. Do the shops get particularly busy at the weekends making all the surrounding roads extremely busy or parking impossible? If the home is near a shopping complex then weekends, Christmas, or sales periods could be an absolute nightmare when trying to gain access to your home.
When looking at a home that is situated near shops, visit the home as often as possible and at different times of the day and on different days. Check out the local crime figures to see if there are any anti-social behaviour issues in the area. Talk to people in the area, check out the local Facebook pages and try to gather as much information as you can before committing yourself. It is better to spend time doing your due diligence now than moving in and instantly regretting your decision to live there.
The Pros and Cons of Living Next to a Field
Whether it is a field at the edge of town or in a village, looking out over a field has to be preferable to looking at a panel fence or other houses, right? You would think so, but as with all our expectations, the reality often is far different.
If you are thinking of living near a field, here are a few things for you to consider.
What are The Advantages of Living Next to a Field?
Health Benefits. Scientific studies show that living amongst nature has numerous health benefits including lower stress levels, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and better sleep patterns.
Uninterrupted Views. A summer’s evening sitting in your garden looking out over a golden field of wheat or lush green vegetables is idyllic.
Cleaner air. There is likely to be far less pollution if you live next to a field.
Peace and Quiet. The fact that there are no houses or cars on every side of your home would suggest that your home should be quieter and more tranquil.
Wildlife. Fields are often enclosed by hedges or trees which attract wildlife. You could spend many wonderful quiet evenings watching the wildlife from your chair.
Future Use. If you view a home as an investment rather than a forever home, you may be lucky and get a home next to a field that in the future becomes a new-build estate. Your home may form the only access to that field, in which case you stand to make a substantial amount of money.
What are The Disadvantages of Living Next to a Field?
Health Risks. Pollen, dust, farmers spraying their crops, and cut grass can all cause health problems or make conditions like asthma worse.
Who owns the field? It is a farmer or the local council? This may have an impact on the future use of the field. Or the field could even form part of a school playing field.
What is the field used for? It could be crops, in which case what type and what chemicals are sprayed on them? (consider that the farmer may need to harvest very early in the morning or very late at night sometimes and very tall crops might put your garden into shade) Does the field become a moto-x track at weekends? Does the farmer have cattle? (consider the smell and noise this may create)
Is the field likely to be built upon? Could planning permission be given in the future to turn the field into a housing estate or a barn erected to spoil your view?
Wildlife. Will you have problems with field mice or other rodents?
Anti-Social Behaviour. Do the local kids use the field for parties every weekend?
Public Access. Check that your property does not form part of the public access to the field if it has any.
Tourists. Does the field form part of a popular tourist footpath which may result in streams of people gawping at you as you relax in your garden?
Hunting. Is the field used for clay pigeon shooting for example? That could be a bit of a shock at 7 o’clock on a Sunday morning.
Living near a park is generally regarded as a good thing, especially if it is an urban park, and usually has a positive impact on property prices.
But just as there are good and bad neighbours, there are good and bad parks.
Visit the park at different times of the day and on different days of the week. Check out local crime figures for the park, and join local social media pages to see what the locals have to say about it.
Is the park well lit? Does it have CCTV? Are there wardens? Is it well maintained? Is there graffiti and vandalism?
Doing your due diligence now could stop you from making a very expensive mistake, or equally, could ensure that your quality of life improves dramatically and that you are making a very sound investment.
Here are some pros and cons of living near a park which will help you decide if this is a good choice of an area to live in for you.
What are The Advantages of Living Near a Park?
Property Values. Properties that overlook parks normally sell for a premium and are regarded as highly desirable, so usually sell quickly.
Great Views. If you are lucky enough to overlook the park then you will likely have some great views.
Great for the Kids. Parks are great for kids as they have extra space to play and let off steam whilst at the same time getting fresh air and meeting other kids.
Great for Pets. It is so much more convenient having a place to exercise your dog right outside your door.
Great for you. A park can be a great place to relax and de-stress, and the fresh air can do wonders for your mental well-being as well as your physical health.
Great for your wallet. A park can become your free gym, a place to work-out, jog or walk. You can have picnics, treasure hunts, go to the playground, and numerous other free fun days out.
What are The Disadvantages of Living Near a Park?
Homes Cost More. Homes near parks tend to command a premium so you will get less home for your money. If the homes around a park are cheap there may be a reason for that and should be a red flag to you.
Anti-Social Behaviour. Many local parks attract groups of youths resulting in vandalism, drug-taking, and anti-social behaviour.
Noise. If the park attracts lots of families for example, then if you are trying to sleep after a night shift, the noise could be disruptive.
Litter. If the park is particularly busy then you may find that the park and surrounding area, including your front garden, becomes littered with rubbish. And whilst on the subject of litter, take a close look at the type of litter in the park. Piles of beer cans or broken spirit bottles will likely mean the park is used by drunks or as a venue for kids to have parties.
Dog walkers. Whilst most dog walkers are responsible, there are some that aren’t and you may find that not only the park but the footpath outside your home can be strewn with piles of dog waste.
Parking. You may find that at weekends or on evenings it is impossible to find somewhere to park, or that people block access to your driveway or garage with their cars.
Does the park hold concerts or events? Although they may be few and far between, they may also not be. There may be a full calendar of events in the summer months which could cause you inconvenience, noise, more anti-social behaviour, and generally a lot of stress.
Lack of Privacy. You may find that people going to or from the park, or even from within the park, look into your home and garden.
Rodents. Some litter will attract mice and rats, who may find their way into your home and garden.
Danger. Some parks attract unsavory characters, and even very dangerous people. If you have kids or are on your own, check local crime reports very carefully, talk to locals, and decide if this is a park you would be happy to live near.
Sports. If there are tennis courts, for example, with floodlights, then these could cause light pollution in your home or garden. Noise from supporters or referee whistles could also be an issue, especially at weekends. Sports training or matches could also result in parking issues.
The Pros and Cons of Living Near a School
I grew up in a home right next to a combined junior and secondary school, and whilst it was super convenient to have literally a 3-minute walk to the classroom, I recall there were also plenty of reasons why as an adult I would have chosen not to live there.
Here is my pros and cons list of living next to a school which you may find useful.
What are The Advantages of Living Next to a School?
Property Value. If the school is a very desirable one, then the price of property is likely to increase and will likely sell quickly, should you move again.
No School Run. If you have kids, then living right next to their school is super convenient and will save you not only time but money and inconvenience by not having to do a school run.
Convenience. Because it is so convenient for the kids, they may be more inclined to get involved in extra-curricular activities such as sports or school clubs.
Summer Holidays. For all of the disadvantages of living next to a school, they are offset by the summer holidays when all the negative aspects of living next to a school disappear and you really get to appreciate what peace and quiet are.
What are The Disadvantages of Living Next to a School?
Parking. Your driveway will be blocked, your garden wall will get scraped and damaged, your garden gate will get hit by cars numerous times, and if you are crazy enough to return home mid-morning, you will still find nowhere to park because all the parents are having coffee or shopping.
Vehicle Noise. Car radios will be left blaring, car doors will be slammed, horns blasted, and cars left idling.
Congestion. Not only vehicular congestion, but footpath congestion. You will be trapped in your home at the beginning and end of every school day.
Anti-Social Behaviour. Fights, screaming, shouting, arguing, and general anti-social behaviour – and that’s just the parents collecting the kids.
Litter. Crisp packets stuffed in your hedge, sweet wrappers thrown over your garden wall, and litter strewn about the streets.
Noise. Forget relaxing in your garden. Come break time the playgrounds are full and your peace and quiet will be shattered.
Events. If the school has sports clubs or holds regular car boot sales, expect the usual problems to extend into the evenings and weekends too.
Forget going Shopping. You soon learn that it is futile to try and pop into the local shops during break times, they are full to bursting with kids.
Higher Property Prices. Buying a home near a school means that you will often get less home for your money.
Of course, if you have kids then living near their school will make perfect sense, but I would suggest living a few streets away rather than right next door.
When it comes to location, living near a river would at one time have been most people’s dream. Looking out over the water as it gently glides along the bottom of your garden on a summer’s evening would be idyllic.
However, climate change has certainly made living next to a river less desirable these days.
But there are still plenty of very desirable properties that overlook rivers that have no threat of flooding, so those whose dream it is to look out over the water need not despair.
As with any location, there are pros and cons, and here are a few suggestions of things to consider before taking the plunge of getting a home by the river.
What are The Advantages of Living Near a River?
Property Prices. Homes by water, despite the risks, are still extremely desirable and therefore command premium prices.
Health Benefits. Just the sound of moving water is calming, add in the beautiful views, and your stress levels will melt away. Living by the water is said to reduce not only stress levels but the risk of heart disease, there is the lovely fresh air, and people who live by water tend to lead a more active lifestyle.
Recreation. Living by the river opens up a whole raft of water activities that you could do as well as having the opportunity for some lovely strolls along the riverbank. And if you are an artist or photographer then the riverside will present you with endless inspiration.
What are the Disadvantages of Living Near a River?
Property Prices. If in the future the home becomes prone to flooding then you could find your home worthless or unsellable.
Flooding. It is not just the monetary effect of flooding. The emotional cost of losing your cherished personal belongings is incalculable. Imagine the stress you would be under every time there is a big storm, wondering if today is the day the river will burst its banks.
Erosion. The other thing to be aware of is erosion which could affect not only your garden but eventually the house itself.
High Insurance Costs. One thing to be especially wary of is the high cost of home insurance. Money Supermarket states that a home that has been flooded before costs on average £313 a year to insure, whilst a property just 400m away from water costs £131 to insure per year.
Pollution. Not only is there the risk of a local business polluting the river but there is the risk of sewage, and if you live in an area frequented by tourists, or the home is next to a river in a town or city, then there is all the litter that will inevitably end up washed up on the riverbank.
Insects. Swarms of flies and other insects are common near water and in some cases can be so overwhelming that it is impossible to sit outside and enjoy your view of the water.
Tourists. If the river is used for recreational purposes then not only may this affect your privacy but cause noise and litter. If there is a footpath that runs along the riverbank you could also experience anti-social behaviour.
Dampness. One thing that a friend who lives by a river mentioned was fog and mist. They said that because there was often fog and mist over the water that they found their home suffered from dampness more than they expected.
Climate Change. There is no getting away from the fact that the weather is changing and that many many more homes experience flooding now than just a few years ago. Think about how climate change may affect your home if you end up living in a flood-prone region.
You may like to read: Choosing Where to Live to Avoid Climate Change in which we look at how climate change might affect your decision on where your next home will be. It includes a really useful interactive map that predicts how climate change will affect each part of the UK in the coming years.
We hope this guide has given you some food for thought and helps you make a more informed decision about where your new home will be.
Good luck, and if you would like to add anything that we may have missed to these pros and cons lists please add them in the comments below. Thank you.
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