Location Location Location…that is the big shiny key. The Critical three L’s. The Robin Hoods Maid Marian.

A well thought out location to live is to your happiness like rich belgium influence is to “Death By Chocolate” – a necessity. Here some pointers on the importance of location, the key four things to consider and ways to find that perfect location for you.

The Importance Of Location

Is it just me or does it seem ludicrous to people that many professionals live up to two hours away from where they work. There commute can cost them up to 4 hours of their life every day – and this is in addition to 8-10 hours they are investing into their job. This rapes them of their time and lets be honest – our time is the most precious commodity we have.

The importance of location, whether you are setting down for many years or are temporarily basing yourself somewhere short term or are in fact traveling is universal. The need to understanding the importance of location is still critical.

The longer you plan to stay in an area the more critical this location becomes. I still find it impossible to comprehend the amount of people that don’t take the time to explore the local area before moving into a place. Below is some critical location thoughts based on my experience of moving and living in many, many different areas and cities all around the world

Key Location Needs – The 4 S’s Of Location

Social

Relationships are the key to human existence and so the impact your new location is going to have on your social life has to be a top priority when accessing the suitability.

You may have the nicest little farmhouse out in the country but if you are miles away from all your friends then you are going to have a very nice, lonely little existence. The social thoughts need to also go beyond just where you friends are located in relation to your proximity, your thoughts also need to be on how easy it is in the particular culture to get out and see them.

Studio

The studio is your work. As you are going to spend at least 5 days a week here typically, then where you are located in relation to where you work is always going to be a huge factor.

I would suggest living as close to your place of work as possible and definitely not further than 30 minutes travel time if possible. This is 30 minutes regardless of if you run, cycle or have to fight your way through traffic in a car. Even a short commute like this takes an hour of your day, robs you of at least 5 hours a week, an entire 24 hour day a month and over 288 hours or 12 days a year. Anything more than this is suicide to your life quality. If your are self employed I would still suggest an office or local cafe slightly away from where you live, it helps to separate work and home life.

Stuff

How close is your access to stuff. Shops, services and your local cafe. One of the nice things about living in a good location if your pick it right is that you can build a great community.

You can have a favorite local cafe where they know you and know your usual, a local restaurant that does excellent food and understands your need for a window seat where you can take friends for a good meal. A great cinema close by with comfy seats and a big screen and excellent nachos. A great pub for a friday night and a local saturday market for excellent home made treats at the weekend. These things are all key to your life quality.

Speed

Another key consideration is the speed at which you can access all of the above.

Is there great transports routes. DO you have to take a car everywhere or are cabs an option? How is the traffic? What are the bus and train routes like? All these factors should play a big part in deciding your location as it will have a massive effect on how much you utilize all that is available to you locally and how stressful it is to use them.

Ways To Get The Perfect Location

I find the best way to scout a location is basically to get out there and into the field.

The more permanent the location is going to be for you in the future the more time I would suggest investing. If you are planning to settle for a good few years then I would highly recommend renting a place for a week or so and investing some time understanding what life quality you can expect living here. The actual building you live in is important but the location is critical to your life quality. Below are some things to consider.

Transport Routes are critical

They will wither make you life a joy or a living hell and it will differ depending on country and culture and price.

When I was living in Bangkok I based myself near the sky train that can take me across the city in less than 20 minutes and had cheap taxis on call. It was an absolute joy living there. Here in Bangalore the transport routes are not so effective and things are more difficult but I have rickshaws. In England, my family home is isolated and with limited bus routes and expensive taxis. Needless to say my quality of life and social interaction goes down considerably when I am home even though I know more people here.

Local Shops, Cafes and a good restaurant – Take a scan

Best way here is simply to go and try some.

Make a looping scan of al the food places and cafes, restaurant within a 20 minute walk of where you want to base yourself and buy a drink in each. Get a feel of the place, the prices and the quality and make sure you have a good few you are happy with. This places will become your locals and you will develop relationships with the staff.

Places for a haircut and entertainment

Again the best way is just to get out there.

Get a haircut, try out the cinema. Try all the entertainment that you enjoy and try and find it as close to you ideal location as possible. You may think you can just drive an hour when you want to go tot he pictures every week but trust me this will not happen.

Invest and Sow

You location has a massive effect on your quality of life and it will determine how your social, work and entertainment life forms more that you would like to think. Take the time upfront  to invest in making it the very best location for you and you will be ensured of a happy future.