How to choose a location?

Creating a home starts with choosing a location, which can be the most difficult decision in the entire process. Often, you have to consider places like jobs, kindergartens and schools, as well as places that are important for sports and leisure.

When making an important choice, it is important to keep in mind the nuances that are important to you.

Map your wishes

Think about your own and your family’s wishes and plans, also considering what your life could be like in two, five or ten years. In order to make the best choice, it would be a good idea to write down the wishes and needs of each family member and then identify which of them are not subject to dispute and which are more of a bonus.

For example, think about whether the new place of residence will encourage or inhibit the sports that your child actively practices? You can make a table where you write down each influencing factor and give it a numerical weight according to its importance.

Test transportation

Take the time to visit the location of the home you are interested in at different times of the day and try out different modes of transportation. This will give you a better idea of the location and traffic conditions. Go by car, public transport, on foot or by bike. It is especially good if schools and workplaces are within walking or cycling distance of your new home, as this will give you and your children more freedom when moving around.

Also think about the future – if your children are in kindergarten today, the location of the school will be important in the future.

However, it is not always possible to combine all locations, and it is even more important to familiarize yourself with possible future logistics.

In addition, pay attention to planned real estate developments and public transport connections in the area.

Gather information

If possible, find a local in the area to ask what they value and what they are not happy with in their hometown. Maybe they can tell you how their life changed after moving to that area. This may reveal hidden gems or downsides that you would not otherwise have considered.

Check out the entire development

In the case of a new development, examine its site plan and landscape architectural solution. What value will the development create for the area and what opportunities will there be for spending time outdoors?

Four recommendations to look at when exploring the development:

1. Compass and the Sun’s Movement

Pay attention to how your chosen home is positioned in relation to the sun. It’s also important to note that in our climate, the sun’s path differs between summer and winter. The sun’s movement diagram often represents the summer sun’s trajectory.

A compass is available on Liven’s website for every apartment.

2. Commercical Spaces in the Building

In new developments, the ground floor is often planned for commercial spaces.
Investigate which businesses are planned for these spaces. At an early stage of development, it’s often unclear which companies will occupy the building, but you can find out what kind of commercial space is being designed to meet the needs of specific businesses. For example, restaurants require appropriate ventilation, etc. This will give you an idea of what types of businesses might move in in the future.

P.S. Liven’s commercial spaces are highly sought after by restaurants, cafes, shops, salons, and other services — anything that could make life in a vibrant community even more comfortable and enjoyable. We want people to love the businesses in their building and feel they contribute to their success. However, there are a few exceptions that no one would want to have beneath their home: liquor stores, nightclubs, pawnshops, and smoking rooms. These businesses will not be found in Liven developments.

3. Elevation Markers and Landscaping on the Site Plan

Elevation markers on the site plan help you understand how flat or hilly the land is. Uneven terrain is often more playful and offers more exciting design opportunities. The plan will indicate both new trees and shrubs, as well as existing ones that will be preserved. Knowing the type of tree allows you to think about its potential height in the coming years.

A tree provides shade — this means it creates privacy and alleviates sun heat, but it may also block a potential view.

Rainwater infiltration on the plot is a modern, environmentally sustainable solution, and you should also be able to find this information on the site plan.

4. Check-list for Evaluating the Location of a New Home (if some factors are not important to you, rate those that you find significant):

Proximity to schools and kindergartens (by public transport/car/on foot)
Proximity to grocery stores – by car or on foot
Distance to the nearest bus stop
Distance to your workplace
The home’s orientation relative to the sun
The orientation of the balcony/terrace relative to the sun
The location of the home within the building
Businesses in the building and surrounding area
Potential cost of maintaining the development’s solutions (e.g., landscaping, heated garage, etc.)

If possible, it’s ideal to live near your family’s workplaces and schools/kindergartens, as it helps reduce environmental impact and saves time.