When the time comes to buy your first home, there’s much more to consider than just the house itself. The area where you live matters – In fact, it can have a huge impact on your wellbeing. That’s why it’s so important to think about what your ideal lifestyle looks like before you move. Doing so will help you find where you’re likely to be happy.
Where you live matters: Is it close to nature?
Being among nature is known to be a terrific way to reduce stress and anxiety. It gives your perspective about your problems, allowing you to rationalize them so that they are less overwhelming than before. Nature is also a reminder of everything there is to appreciate in life, which can really help at times when you feel that there is little reason to be positive.
Time out and about in nature also contributes to your physical health when you spend it doing exercise. Being able to exercise in picturesque, quiet environments will likely encourage you to live an active lifestyle.
Living somewhere like The Meadows with its 24 miles of trails and 1,100 acres of parks and land available for public use would be a great idea if you find that being around nature brings you a feeling of contentment.
Culture and people
Something else to consider is the culture in each prospective area. For example, is there a strong community vibe, and is that something that you want?
On a related note, is the culture one that you feel you share a lot with or could learn from? Certain areas might attract forward-thinking people, for instance.
Remember that your sense of comfort is important for overall wellbeing. So it’s good to get a sense of the area’s population, whether you do so by asking a realtor, those who live in the area, or doing research online to get these details.
Where you live also matters as you don’t want to be bored in the new neighborhood! So, make sure there’s plenty to do in the area during your free time that would interest you.
Another thing to consider is where the district stands politically. Let’s say you move somewhere governed by a conservative MP, for example. If you have a different belief system, then local developments might frustrate you if they don’t align well.
Proximity to work, family, and friends
One of the top considerations for most people is the proximity of their residence to where they work and to both family and friends. Family and friends are an important support network that help you through the tough times in life, so it’s important that they are close by, if possible.
And that way you also remain a regular part of each other’s lives. If you’re thinking of starting a family, it’s also important to be near loved ones as they can help you with childcare if you ever need it.
They’ll also be able to come to birthday parties and other special occasions, which makes for great memories for kids especially. Being surrounded by love is awesome!
Plus, working in close proximity to your workplace can eliminate the stress of a long commute there and back home. Living close is also important if you have a job that involves being on call; you’ll reach work a lot sooner when employees or the boss needs you when you live in the surrounding area.
Where you live matters, and you deserve to be happy
Depending on whether you’re a sociable person or not, and where your beliefs lie on the political spectrum, you’ll need to think about the community and culture in prospective new neighborhoods. Also, if you lead a hectic lifestyle, it might be nice to live somewhere with plenty of natural beauty to help you de-stress, rather than somewhere more urban and busy.
Lastly, make sure that you do enough research before buying a place, as you want to make sure that it fits you and your family. To help you make the right decision, check out these 5 things to look for when buying a home.
Where we are, our surroundings have a vital impact on our lifestyle, well-being and happiness. Thank you for reminding what is so important and often overlooked in our busy lives.
So glad you’re talking about this topic Christy! I don’t think people realize just how much where you live truly does affect your overall well-being.
I’m not sure what it is or how it works but honest to goodness, every area really does have its own “vibe.” Maybe it’s the typical population personality type, the surroundings, or something spiritual. Whatever it is, we are impacted by its influence FAR more than we realize.
Coming back to where I am now (hopefully temporarily) for my hubby was not a move I wanted to make. I’m a mountain gal and was loving every second – being surrounded by simplistic nature everywhere. Here on the coast (for me), there is a sadness, a loss of something special. Isn’t it funny how some people will feel alive inside some place while others feel dead and empty? To each their own I suppose.
It absolutely matters though, loving where you live. Everything in your life will flourish when you do :) Love you, Christy! Hope you’re loving where you are this day and celebrating each beautiful moment. ❤
Very wise advice Christy!
Really good advice, Christy :-)