Gas Prices May Influence Your Next Home Choice

credit: iboy_daniel

More and more frequently, Americans are making purchase offers and signing leases for homes close to public transportation, namely, commuter rail service. It’s a move that makes sense - homes further away from cities cost less, but with gas prices sky high, the monthly fuel bill eats up all of those savings. Public transportation, however, makes an expensive commute suddenly affordable.

Most major cities, where house prices are highest, are well-armed with public buses, metros, subways, and commuter rail service. If one can’t afford to live downtown, where he works and plays, then the second-best option in today’s market is to live within walking distance of service that allows for an easy commute. And increasingly, Realtors and home sellers are taking note of this valuable amenity, and marketing as such.

In addition to gas savings, taking non street-based public transportation has another major benefit: you are no longer subject to the ebb and flow of traffic. What was once and hour-long commute in stressful traffic can turn into a stress-free half hour on the subway, saving you both time and sanity. In addition, public transportation is generally safe and available from early morning to late at night, allowing your social life to bloom freely.

If you’re feeling the pain of rising gas prices and long commutes, consider moving to an area serviced by public transportation. You’ll not only save gas money, but you’ll usually save time, housing costs, and a bit of your much-needed sanity.

Tags: Commute | Gas Prices | Saving