Finding a new home isn’t just about what’s inside. Sure, a big kitchen or freshly tiled bathroom is nice—but the area around your front door is what really shapes your life.
Where you live affects everything: how long it takes to get to work, where you pop out for milk, and whether there’s a decent park for Sunday walks. So before you fall for a show home, it’s worth spending a bit of time thinking about location first.
What’s your day-to-day life like?
Everyone’s idea of a “perfect location” is different. If you’ve got kids, you might want to be near good schools. If you work from home, maybe peace and quiet is more important. Love a morning coffee or a quick gym session? Think about how close you want to be to shops and other essentials.
Before jumping into property listings, take a moment to picture your daily routine. What would make life easier or more enjoyable?
Test your commute
A location can look great on paper. But if your commute turns out to be a nightmare, it might start to lose its shine.
If you drive, try doing a trial run during rush hour. If you rely on trains or buses, check how regular and reliable they are. Living near a station or a main road can make a big difference – especially if you’re balancing a busy schedule.
Schools matter (even if you don’t have kids)
Buying near a well-rated school can boost your home’s value over time. If you do have children, catchment areas and Ofsted reports are worth a look. And even if you don’t, areas with good schools tend to have strong communities and those can be great places to live.
Spend time there
Don’t just visit once. Go at different times—morning, evening, weekends. Grab a coffee, walk around, get a feel for things. See what’s nearby. Where’s the nearest doctor, corner shop, or bus stop? Sometimes, it’s those small, everyday things that make the biggest difference.
Think about the future too
Your life will probably change over the next few years. Maybe you’ll need more space, want to work from home more, or just fancy a slower pace. Choose a location that gives you options.
It’s also worth checking what’s planned nearby—new transport, shops, or housing developments. A place on the up could be a smart move.
Need help choosing the right spot?
At Eleanor Charles Homes, we build in places we’d live ourselves—areas with the right balance of community, convenience, and comfort. Not sure where to start? Our team knows the local areas inside out and can help point you in the right direction.
Take a look at our latest developments and start picturing what life could look like in your new neighbourhood.