It should come as no surprise that the majority of well-populated communities in the 21st century are urban-based, as most job opportunities are found in major cities. If you are a city dweller yourself (or plan to become one in the future) it is imperative that you have an idea of what a few of the top home essentials you'll need when searching for an apartment, home or condo in these areas. Check these out:
Top Home Essentials For City Living
A Spacious Kitchen
No matter where you live, a spacious kitchen is a welcomed luxury. You'll want enough square footage for cooking and dining, but you'll always want cabinet space for holding your kitchen necessities. Additionally, counter space and appliances that are flush with cabinetry and walls are important to a cohesive, well-designed kitchen. If you find a kitchen that's lacking space, you may have to get creative. For example, you can create a vertical shelving system on an empty wall, or use your backsplash to hold utensils and cutlery.
No matter where you live, a spacious kitchen is a welcomed luxury. You'll want enough square footage for cooking and dining, but you'll always want cabinet space for holding your kitchen necessities. Additionally, counter space and appliances that are flush with cabinetry and walls are important to a cohesive, well-designed kitchen. If you find a kitchen that's lacking space, you may have to get creative. For example, you can create a vertical shelving system on an empty wall, or use your backsplash to hold utensils and cutlery.
  Magnetic Knife Holder, amazon.com |
  Set Of 2 Wall Mounted Utensil / Pot Rack, amazon.com |
Proper HVAC
Your home must have ventilation for you to truly enjoy city life to the fullest. Loft living, for example, may not provide windows that can be opened and closed. This is why you'll need proper HVAC. If you're in a communal space like an apartment building, your HVAC is most likely provided by your landlord / property owner. Before signing your lease, be sure to inquire about it. If central air conditioning isn't included, you may want to purchase window units (both AC and fans) for your space.
Safety
Safety is paramount in any home, no matter what neck of the woods you live in. And thankfully with today's technology, you can safeguard your home with something as simple as a doorbell.
To keep your home even safer, you can install surveillance cameras that will alert you to activity through an app on your phone. You can also install motion detectors to the exterior of your home that will trigger your flood lights and/or porch light. For maximum safety, utilize the professional services of a home security company such as SimpliSafe.
So put this at the top of your house hunting checklist to ensure that you get a house that will serve you while ensuring your safety.
Safety is paramount in any home, no matter what neck of the woods you live in. And thankfully with today's technology, you can safeguard your home with something as simple as a doorbell.
To keep your home even safer, you can install surveillance cameras that will alert you to activity through an app on your phone. You can also install motion detectors to the exterior of your home that will trigger your flood lights and/or porch light. For maximum safety, utilize the professional services of a home security company such as SimpliSafe.
So put this at the top of your house hunting checklist to ensure that you get a house that will serve you while ensuring your safety.
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An Open Floor Plan
City living works best with open plan living concepts. An open floor plan involves placing the kitchen and living room in the same open area for convenience. The lack of walls in these areas will make the space appear larger and also help you take advantage of better air flow and more natural light. Many times, with perhaps the exception of a loft, these open floor plans are light, bright and airy, using finishes that are either white or neutral in color.
City living works best with open plan living concepts. An open floor plan involves placing the kitchen and living room in the same open area for convenience. The lack of walls in these areas will make the space appear larger and also help you take advantage of better air flow and more natural light. Many times, with perhaps the exception of a loft, these open floor plans are light, bright and airy, using finishes that are either white or neutral in color.
Affordability
Lastly, life in the big city is freakin' expensive. Whether you decide to rent or to buy, It's important that you can afford the city home you are looking to move into. If you are a first time home buyer, here are some pointers to consider:
Lastly, life in the big city is freakin' expensive. Whether you decide to rent or to buy, It's important that you can afford the city home you are looking to move into. If you are a first time home buyer, here are some pointers to consider:
- Know how much you can afford. Use a mortgage calculator like this one from Nerd Wallet to figure out what your monthly mortgage payment might be.
- Take advantage of first time homebuyer benefits and program. Check out HUD programs in your state (which can help with down payment assistance) to learn more.
- Visit FHAloans.com to find out how, as a first time home owner, you can save on your interest payments and closing costs.
The above essentials will be critical to consider when house hunting in the city. Did you move to a big city? If so, what did you do to prepare? Let us know in the comments below!
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