After the peace and quiet of suburbia or the countryside, the hum of the city can be exciting and full of surprises.
As an agent with experience selling urban property, I can confidently say that I have clients who’d never dream of moving from the city. Its pulsating energy just can’t be replaced by the placid, comfortable lifestyle of the suburban neighborhoods.
A city life with easy access to entertainment, restaurants and cafes can be a magnet not just to first time homebuyers but those looking to downsize and enjoy the bright lights once more.
There’s an array of options if you are considering buying a city apartment right now. The market is strong but you’ll find opportunities that will beat the average house for location, amenities and square-foot value.
After years of helping clients find their ideal apartment, I’ve picked up a few tips from folks who’ve moved into a new city or wanted to experience urban living for the first time. Here’s my list of tips for city living:
- Always have a map. It doesn’t have to be a paper one, of course. Who does that these days! But it’s a great idea to have Apple, Bing or Google at your fingertips to explore a new city or uncover neighborhood secrets that you never knew existed. Try searching for ‘restaurants near me’ to see what comes up.
- Don’t rush. One of the technology breakthroughs of Covid has been an acceptance that you can work from home, and you don’t need to clock on at 9 am. So, avoid city rush-hours. Trains and buses were stressful enough before the pandemic. So, organize your life to avoid the rush-hour.
- Be careful with your cash. The city is full of temptation. Avoid making like a tourist,
- or the cafés, restaurants and shops will drain your wallet before you know it. A good strategy is to set a budget and promise yourself you won’t eat out too many times a week.
- Chat with the locals. If you need information, don’t hang around tourist areas to get it. Approach locals who you believe are trustworthy. City folks are friendly, too. It’s just those pesky tourist areas, which you’ll quickly learn to avoid.
- Discover something new. Urban living gives you fantastic access to museums and galleries, which often stay open until 9 pm on designated days. There’s also an array of community events that you’ll be able to participate in, whether that’s a city marathon or joining a club in your neighborhood.
- Stay safe. I won’t sugar-coat urban-living. But if you stay aware of your surroundings and remain conscious of the people around you, trouble isn’t likely to find you. And do common sense things, such as zip your bag and avoid dark streets.
Get out! Yes, I mean it. One of the great pleasures of city living is the ability to get away for a few days. Weekends in the country can recharge the batteries and renew your perspective. Don’t deny yourself the occasional exit strategy because it adds to the pleasure of urban life.