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Ihave 2 homes I'm interested in and need some help in deciding which would be better for me. One is very close to work but is 15,000 more expensive and less sq. ft, also the neighborhood isn't so wonderful, but the location is great and will hold it's value because of it. The 2nd home is about an hour commute to work, beautiful screened in porch overlooking a wonderful lake, very relaxing place, little bigger than the first home, but not by much. I hate the traffic and the travel otherwise it would be a no brainer.
So, do I travel for an hour to enjoy the view when I get home, or will the travel exhaust me and aggrivate me so much that I will kick myself for not getting something closer to work.
I've done all kinds of cost analysis and dollar for dollar they compete, so it comes down to close to town, smaller place, okay neighborhood, but I would like to see a few people fix their places up, OR do I commute 1 hour a day each way, sit in traffic for who knows how long, but beautiful scenery, quiet and well established neighborhood.
I do leave early enough to avoid traffic but on the way home there is not a way to avoid it. There really is only a few outlets so it's going to be a very difficult comute. BUT, the weekends will be very relaxing whereas the weekends at the place closer to work, will be lonely as there isn't a place to walk, hike, etc. The place further away, has a community pool, park and tennis courts. Traffic or convenience. Shoot, I just don't know which will fit my lifestyle better. I know I want the one with the view, but my practical self kicks in and I know how annoyed and impatient I get sitting in traffic and I keep wondering all that aggrevation will cause me to regret the decision.
In general- Charleston traffic has only gotten worse, not better, since I have lived here. Typically you get a couple of years relief whenever a new bridge, connector or bypass opens then it returns to normal. Not that the new roads don't help, but they seem to shave off more aggravation than time.
Can I ask the location of the two houses? Both times I've bought locally I have ended up coming down on the side of location. Once inside 526 Mt Pleasant and the last time 2 lights from the bridge in West Ashley. One was a compromise on square footage, the other moving into an area that is on an upward swing with all the charm and drawbacks of a WW2 era houses and neighborhoods.
Consider resale value even if you don't think you will move anytime soon. You never know what will come up down the road. Summerville is very desirable b/c of the school district, etc. You may end up making out much better in the long run by choosing the Summerville home. Just a thought...
My first thought is.... neither! From what I hear on this site, there is plenty out there to choose from. The one closer to work that you don't like the neighborhood... you'll hate coming home everyday! The home you like that is further from work... you'll dread the traffic everyday.
IMO, narrow down the areas that would be an acceptable... no, make that ideal # miles to work, and find a neighborhood/home in those areas that you fall in love with. Don't settle for something you're not sure about.
I agree! I mean of all the Real estate out there you can't find a home your happy with both the commute and neighborhood.
This is a HUGE decision your making. Keep Looking. JMHO! Good Luck!
Quote:
Originally Posted by beth1104
My first thought is.... neither! From what I hear on this site, there is plenty out there to choose from. The one closer to work that you don't like the neighborhood... you'll hate coming home everyday! The home you like that is further from work... you'll dread the traffic everyday.
IMO, narrow down the areas that would be an acceptable... no, make that ideal # miles to work, and find a neighborhood/home in those areas that you fall in love with. Don't settle for something you're not sure about.
I've been looking! Trust me, I'm no dummy when it comes to home purchasing. There are a few things that I differ from than most buyers. I am on a very TIGHT budget because I'm paying cash for the place and there is only so much money. I will NOT get sucked up into regime fees that continue to creep up every year along with a bunch of "special assessments." That locks me out of a lot of options. Johns and James Island are way too expensive when you compare price per sq. ft. Summerville, best buys but you have topay the traffic price. I know everyone thinks, as I did, that there is plenty out there on the market, but I beg the differ-maybe in certain price ranges, but in my price range, there are very few to choose from. I believe I've found the best that I can afford, now it's just a matter of which.
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