Knowing The Ins And Outs Of Modern Urban Living
People have different preferences when it comes to their dwelling. While some opt to live in condominium units and apartments, others find security in traditional houses in subdivisions and gated communities. Though there’s no wrong or right choice, there’s always a better one depending on your lifestyle, preference, and budget.
It may sound cliché, but it’s a fact that technology drastically changed the way people function on a day-to-day basis. Before, houses were only meant to be a roof above your head. It doesn’t matter how small it is, how many rooms it has, or how it looks from the outside. For as long as it can keep you safe day and night, people are satisfied. But since technology gave birth to such inventions as solar panels, sliding doors, gate sensors, and elevators, people’s preferences and concepts of comfortable home living also significantly changed.
Now, people spend enormous amounts of time, effort, and money upgrading their homes. Houses should have insulated panels to keep the excessive heat and cold from entering the property. It’s common for houses with rooms on the third and fourth floors to have ‘dumbwaiter lifts’ that could send food from the kitchen on the lower floor. And it’s also common for those living in condominiums to have furniture and fixtures meant to save space. Indeed, the people’s current lifestyles are far from their forefathers’.
How did communities change over the years?
Another change that came along with technological breakthroughs is the urbanization of more and more communities. As the needs of people grew more complex, the need for a society that could satisfy them also intensified. What used to be a want now became a need. And what used to be limited to the affluent became possible for the commoner. For example, high-rise condominiums used to be a luxury only the wealthy could afford. It is one of the leading solutions to the increasing needs of young professionals to find a home accessible to their workplace and daily comforts. Consequently, because most modern-day conveniences are located in cities rather than in rural areas, more and more people are moving to the metro.
More than half of the global and local population live in cities. By 2050, experts believe that this number will go as high as 70%. It doesn’t need a rocket scientist to figure out why people are drawn to live in the metro. Being the center of commerce and trade, this is where businesses operate and thrive. This is also where companies choose to set up their headquarters, main branches, and subsidiaries. This means that career opportunities are made here. Universities and colleges are also situated here, which explains the flourishing of businesses that cater to the education sector’s needs.
Because people flock to the city to access what urbanization offers, these cities quickly got crowded. Living areas and dwellings grew smaller in floor areas to accommodate more people sharing these communal spaces. In cities where land areas are scarce, houses and other buildings were forced to rise rather than expand horizontally.
What kinds of dwellings are found in the metro?
It’s common to see business districts, high-rise residential and commercial buildings, school campuses, and malls within the heart of the city. Because these essential places usually converge within a single location, it’s common for employees, students, and business owners to settle within the vicinity.
Condominium developers took advantage of these people’s needs and built condominium communities in strategic areas like next to giant mall chains, near universities, and between business districts. Since spaces are smaller, people compensate for them by creating more functional spaces and interior designs that reflect their personality and style preferences.
Although there are subdivisions found in city centers, most of them are located further away from the business districts. Subdivision developments are usually moved further from these business centers because they require a massive land area that the congested city centers couldn’t offer.
Design concepts for modern-day urban living
Since modern-day urban dwellings get smaller in terms of floor area, homeowners compensate for such a lack through interior design. Industrial, urban modern, and contemporary are the design styles and concepts fit for the sophisticated city dwellers. With these mixtures of various design influences, modern urban homes elevate. The focus of this design confluence is comfort with a touch of glamour — something necessary for those making their own oasis within the city.
This style concept is ideal, especially industrial lofts and modern apartments that overlook the city rooftops. Think airy and light spaces taking full advantage of sumptuous decor and visionary furnishings that created architectural drama.
How to help you transition better to the city life
Whether it’s your first time living in the city, or you’re struggling to cope with the city life even after years of living there, it’s easier to transition if you know what to do and where to start. Here are some valuable tips to help you get through city life unscathed.
Choose a strategic location
Where you live in the city will determine a huge part of your daily routine. For example, if you need to travel two to three hours every day from your home to your workplace or business location, expect that you’ll have to deal with traffic, inconvenient public transportation, and being late. On the other hand, if you only have to walk to your area of destination, you can significantly lessen your chances of suffering from any of the consequences mentioned above. On top of that, you can also exercise while walking your way to your workplace. Also, imagine the amount of money you can save from commuting and gas.
It is common for young professionals and university students to rent or buy condominiums and apartment units located next to malls and the city’s business districts. Since these homes are in close proximity to malls, restaurants, entertainment centers, churches, and other conveniences, they’re preferred mainly by city dwellers. You can invest in a studio-type condo unit or rent a bigger one and divide the monthly cost with a family member, friend, or colleague. This set-up offers numerous benefits in the form of monthly savings.
If you prefer to be away from the central business districts, you can also explore houses in subdivisions that are still in close proximity to the places you need to go to every day. The good thing about living in subdivisions is that it’s quieter and less fast-paced than condo-living. If you’re moving into the city with your family, having a traditional home in subdivisions seems like a better option because of the size of the living space. In this type of residence, kids can freely play and have fun in the backyard. There is also permanency in this sort of set-up — something you need, especially when you have a bigger family.
Take these scenarios to mind when choosing where to live in the city. Also, consider other factors like safety, cost, and amenities. Never settle in a place where your security is compromised — it’s non-negotiable. What’s the use of all the conveniences when you’re constantly in danger, right? There’s no point in living in an area where you always have to watch your back. Our homes and the community we live in should provide us with a sense of safety and peace. It defeats the purpose if you choose a cheaper yet dangerous neighborhood.
The cost will always be a factor in looking for a place to stay. You need to get down and get honest with your finances. The accommodation cost you could afford is equivalent to 20% of your fixed monthly income. If it goes higher than that, you might have a hard time covering for it in the long run. It’s the same thing if you take a loan to buy a house since you will pay the monthly amortization of the said loan. It’s good to buy in cash, but if you still can’t afford it, consider renting a property and ask a family member, friend, classmate, or colleague to live with you. You can save up on rent and other monthly household expenses this way.
The amenities offered are also another factor you should seriously look into. If your condo provides amenities that you can actually use, then that’s another advantage and savings for you. For example, your condo has a common fitness and wellness center where unit owners can access exercise and gym equipment. In that case, you no longer have to pay for a gym membership. Now, that’s another savings on your list.
Make a monthly budget
Groceries, food, rent, utilities, and virtually anything else could cost a little more in the metro than in rural areas. If you don’t plan out your expenses for the month, it’s easy for you to lose track of your money. It doesn’t matter if you’re earning six digits per month — making a monthly budget and sticking to it could help you manage your city life better. When you make a budget, consider all your sources of income. After which, list down all your fixed monthly expenses, and set aside provisions for emergencies. Though you hear this often, you need to hear it again — save up.
While they say that you need to save up first before you further subdivide your money into other expenses, it’s not always the best way to go. What’s more realistic is this — make sure to pay your bills on time. Set aside a portion of what’s left as your savings and contingency fund. Let’s face the fact that some people just have a different way of saving money up — to each his own. No matter how you do it, for as long as you set aside a certain amount per month, you’re good to go.
When you set your budget, be realistic about it. Set aside provisions for rest and recreation to feel motivated to stick to your budget. Don’t beat yourself up. After all the hard work and stresses of a metro lifestyle, you deserve a break.
Take advantage of real estate websites and apps
If there’s something that can help you find the best properties that fit your needs and preferences in a new city or neighborhood, that would be the real estate websites and apps. As you know, properties for sale or rent are listed on these websites, and you can even customize your search according to location, size, and price. Plus, these websites also show pictures of every property they put up in their listings. From the comfort of your room, you can view these properties to get an idea of how they look like.
You can also ask questions about these properties through the communication channels of these real estate agencies or simply through the website’s live chat feature. And if you want to see these properties, you can book a site tour with the same agency, and an agent will guide you through the process. When you’re ready to make a lease or purchase, everything will be taken care of by the agent of the said real estate firm. All you have to do is to prepare and hand in your requirements and payment.
Takeaway
Indeed, city life is not for everyone. As a matter of fact, some people, who have lived in the city for most of their lives, dream of retiring in rural areas. Then again, city-living shouldn’t be a pain or a disadvantage for those who choose to thrive here. With the right plan, proper perspective, and suitable partner, you can jump through puddles without hurting yourself or becoming broke.
As you look for your new home within the city, take advantage of our services. We promise to take care and look after you every step of the way. Check out our updated listings of properties within the metro. We constantly update our property portfolio to offer you the best properties you could ever find in the city where you want to reside in. Happy condo hunting!
