The case for urban living: Even though we know that long commutes increase pollution and have a lousy impact on one’s quality of life, it is still a reality of life for millions of people who simply don’t live close to their place of employment.

In my town this continues to be a challenge that is newsworthy as so many commuters are looking for solutions.  In that vein I thought I’d share some options that are being discussed in my region.

Move Closer to Work

This is one of the most obvious choices, but also among the most difficult to make. If you are a suburbanite with a job located in a distant urban core that could mean a significant change in living accommodations and neighborhoods.  And while you would save on your commuting costs, you could take on an even larger mortgage or monthly housing cost. Thriving cities with residential options are often VERY expensive. If you’re on a limited income your only option may be to downsize in order to afford housing within your budget.

That could mean selling your larger suburban home and purchasing a smaller town home or condo.  This sounds worse than it actually is as many builders/developers are coming up with beautiful urban home and community designs that rival suburban and rural options in comfort, style and livability.

Another choice is the rental option.  Depending on your investment preferences you could choose to  sell your suburban home, invest the liquidated equity from that sale in some financial instrument, and sign onto a leased apartment or home in the city.

Choosing to move to the city is not a choice for everyone, but for some  families, or empty nesters or individuals/couples with children in college or on their own, this is a viable choice.  I know of a few couples who decided that since they couldn’t afford the 700K+ price tag of most single family city homes in their region, they were going purchase or rent smaller condominiums.  Being close to live theaters, art galleries, museums, cafes, good stores and a walkable urban neighborhood was THAT important to them.

Lobby for Better Commuter Transit

In many regions there are beautiful commuter trains that can zoom commuters into the city in minutes.  The experience is fast, convenient and so much better for the environment as every full train represents hundreds of cars (and their poisonous emissions) that are not on the road.

Here’s the problem: unless you are in a very well financed and busy region, there are almost never enough commuter trains to meet the need.  It’s a vicious cycle…you need enough commuters taking the train to provide additional service, but if there isn’t sufficient service many will choose not to take the trains.

For instance where we live the last commuter train leaves at 8:30 a.m. in the morning.  The last train leaving the city in the evening leaves at 6:00 p.m.  So if you have to go into work later or stay later at work, you’re out of luck.  This inflexibility keeps many of my neighbors in their cars, which is unfortunate.

So lobby, lobby, lobby – and push for better schedules.  If all else fails…search out employment close to home and look seriously into the benefits of the urban lifestyle.

The picture of urban homes featured above is courtesy of Gothamistllc.com.