What do you think I should do. Here are the pros and cons. In the neighborhood that is closer to my work (about 10-15 min) the schools aren't that great (I have a 2 year old daughter), but it is closer to my work, and I get telephone, digital cable tv, and internet at something like $15.00 a month for all three. The area that is farther away has better schools and the neighborhoods are a little nicer, but it's like 45 min each way and I don't get the benefits, but the homes are nicer.
2007-01-17 11:55:34 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
An important factor is how stable do you consider your job to be? Is there any chance you will be leaving it in the next 16 years?
Also, do you spend a lot of time at work already? Would you be able to negotiate some sort of flex time so you could beat the traffic and shorten your commute?
Phone, TV and internet are great, but your child is probably the most important thing. Better schools, better neighborhood (especially if it has more kids) and better houses mean a lot. And they might get the good cable rate in a few years.
However, if the closer commute means more time for your daughter, then that's definitely a factor.
You should also consider, which neighborhood would have the better babysitters, pre-schools and after-school programs. Even if there is a stay-at-home parent, that may change in the next few years. Taking care of the kid will make your life sooo much easier in the future, so it's worth it to consider these things.
Also, is it possible that there's a better career opportunity closer to the better neighborhood? If you are making more and commuting less, the cheap telephone, cable and 'net is more than balanced out. (-: You might consider job-hunting as well as house-hunting!
2007-01-17 12:19:00 · answer #1 · answered by Madame M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Living closer to work Pros:
1. You have to go to work! If you live in a cold climate, a 45 minute drive could be a lot longer in the winter, plus the time spent on the road in general.
2. Also, consider whatever house you purchase being within your means. The utilities, taxes, insurance, repairs add up - along with mortgage. Plus, all the first time purchases if you are new to owning a home. It adds up! Living in your means is a lot less stressful.
Living further away in a nicer neighborhood:
Higher resale value, better schools, feeling of safety/security - these are pretty big pros ! These may be more important in longer term perspective. The other pros and cons may change over the years.
I borrowed several books on home buying from a library, met with a good real estate agent that I got a referral from someone I knew. I asked a lot of home owners for advice. Talk to people that live in the areas you are considering.
2007-01-17 12:18:19 · answer #2 · answered by coffeesweetie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not try a rental for starters, instead of an out and out purchase so you can get a feel for it. Look for the good points and create a list of the things you do not like about it. The positive attributes of a neighborhood seem to sometimes rear their uglyness heads at the worst times. That way, if you don't like the closer neighborhood, you can move in a year. Just unpack the most important things and leave the rest in storage. I would much rather do what some consider a waste of money to find out if or not it's worth buying a home there. Make sense?
2007-01-17 12:10:43 · answer #3 · answered by chole_24 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy the nicer home in the better neighborhood. You will appreciate it when your kids graduate from College with honors rather than graduate from gang initiation with honors.
Good luck.
2007-01-17 12:15:59 · answer #4 · answered by The Mog 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say better neighborhood! Especially having a child at home and you cant sacrifice a better school to save yourself driving time... The gas would be an issue though.
2007-01-17 12:09:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to consider future re-sale value. If the property closer to work has potential for growth and improvement, move there. Otherwise choose the better area.
2007-01-17 12:02:19 · answer #6 · answered by Kelsey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How much better is the preschool? Kindergarten & 1st grade ? Buy closer.In 5 years, sell the house & relocate to an area with better schools
2007-01-21 13:53:51 · answer #7 · answered by boatworker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, closer to your job is always better. If the neighborhood is low in crime, then why not choose the closer one. However, if it is crime-ridden, or overly dirty, then the further one may be better. If at all bearable, I'd choose the closer one.
2007-01-17 13:56:35 · answer #8 · answered by jason b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the two of you can afford the 20% downpayment and the monthly payment AND still pay for your wedding, then buy a house. If not, then rent an apartment and save for a house.
2016-05-24 01:41:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i reacon you should go to the place where your daughter could benefit more. If it means moving further from work then id say its worth it.
2007-01-17 12:04:13 · answer #10 · answered by Awesomest9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋