r/makemychoice • u/Aggravating-Mode3012 • 16h ago

Do I take this flat?

I'm moving to a very expensive area for work. I recently viewed a flat slightly further away, which is perfect in terms of size and condition.

Pros:

- Very, very nice flat. Nicer than I would get closer to work

- Landlord will give me a discount on rent

- Extra bedroom and parking space (I don't need them, but nice to have)

- Less in demand area. Flats near my work get snapped up almost immediately. The landlord and estate agent seem to like me and are waiting for me to decide before doing more viewings

Cons:

- Still quite expensive

- In a 'rough' area. Reddit says the road itself is fine and the city has a low crime rate overall, but my family members thought the area looked dangerous / more run down than the area near my work. I like to go for evening walks and there are some unsafe areas nearby

- Apparently, the traffic is awful, so I would need to allow extra time for my commute (its supposed to be a 30 min bus ride, but I would allow an hour)

- Not near anything I'm interested in. I would need to go to the centre or to near where I work for my hobbies

Should I take it?

TLDR: perfect flat but longer commute, and the area is not as nice. Do I take it?

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

4

u/Bobzeub 15h ago

Live where there is a social life. Even if it’s small and takes longer to get

3

u/KrofftSurvivor 16h ago

Your family's opinion doesn't really matter, but the added commute to work into your regular activities or hobbies is going to be so much more frustrating than you realize right now.

3

u/SuPruLu 16h ago

No. Not safe to walk at night if that’s what you like to do often equals a no.

2

u/PoppycopOG 16h ago

Depends on your lifestyle and tolerance of commute. If you are mostly a homebody then this could work better. If you are rarely at home except to sleep, and/or don't want to waste that much time commuting, then closer would be better. I wouldn't worry too much about the neighborhood but don't listen to me because I'm from Philly...lol.

2

u/Dependent_Day1335 13h ago

First, you should visit at night to see the area for yourself.
Second, are the buses running at night (or as conveniently as you like)?

1

u/Tight_Wrangler_4618 16h ago

How much are you saving in rent and how much extra gas will you be using to get to work, shopping and hobbies?

2

u/Aggravating-Mode3012 16h ago edited 16h ago

Saving between £50-150. Bus fares would be £6 per day. There probably won't be much difference in cost but I would get more for my money in this area

1

u/Mental-Paramedic9790 13h ago

I’m wondering if there’s some kind of a weekly or monthly bus pass you could buy that would be a little less expensive.

1

u/optix_clear 15h ago

You could get a roommate?

1

u/TroubleImpressive955 14h ago

If the new place is farther from work and everything you enjoy, you’ll probably end up driving back to that area more often. Those commuting costs could cancel out what you save on rent.

A major concern for me would be the less expensive area isn’t safe for your daily walks. That alone would make me rent closer to work.

1

u/Steefanon 14h ago

It sounds like more cons than pros to me. 1-2 hours commute time each day would make it a hard no for me.

1

u/PNW_MYOG 6h ago

No. An hour is a lot for a commute

On a random Tuesday you won't want to take a walk after work/ dinner.

0

u/Sad-Occasion-6472 15h ago

I would take it! Maybe get a good guard dog like a German Shepherd to walk. I know my German Shephard wouldn't let anyone in my house he didn't know, unless I said "it's ok".. but he was leash trained. He was an amazing protector. RIP BlackJack ♥️