As the world continues to recover from the disruptions of the pandemic, one of the most significant shifts for many homeowners and renters in the Chicagoland suburbs is the return to the office. During the rise of remote work, people were able to make bold moves—moving farther out from urban centers in search of more space, quieter neighborhoods, and greater affordability.
But now, with many companies requiring employees to come back to the office, the location of your home is becoming more important than ever. For some, the commute may be manageable, but for others, the extra travel time, fuel costs, and lack of flexibility may no longer be worth it. As the market evolves, it’s important to assess whether your current living situation still works with your lifestyle.
The Pandemic Shift: A New Way of Living
During the height of the pandemic, remote work became the norm for many workers, giving them the freedom to live wherever they wanted. The result? A significant movement away from crowded urban centers and into the suburbs, where families sought larger homes, better schools, and quieter surroundings. The allure of less crowded neighborhoods and lower living costs, combined with the flexibility of remote work, gave people the opportunity to live outside the city and enjoy a higher quality of life.
However, now that many employers are calling employees back to the office—whether full-time or part-time—the trade-offs of living farther away from the office are becoming more apparent. The convenience of working from home has been replaced with the realities of long commutes and the associated costs, both in terms of time and money.
The Long Commute: A Growing Concern for Many
For some, the return to the office means long days spent commuting, and for others, it’s a chance to reconnect with coworkers face-to-face. However, for many homeowners in the Chicagoland suburbs, the long commute is becoming more of a burden than ever. The rising costs of gas, the strain of spending hours in traffic, and the lack of flexibility offered by a traditional office schedule are causing many to rethink their living situation.
A commute that used to be manageable can quickly turn into a source of frustration, leading people to wonder if it’s time to find a home closer to work—or perhaps in a more accessible neighborhood.
As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains, “During the pandemic, when remote work became the norm, homebuyers were able to move farther out… But workers do not have the same flexibility that they used to, and some are going to have to make a tough choice if and when their employer calls them back into the office full-time.”
Is It Time to Move Closer to Work?
If you’re facing a lengthy daily commute and wondering if it’s time to consider relocating closer to the office, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are weighing the pros and cons of staying put versus finding a new home that better suits their current lifestyle. Here are a few things to consider when evaluating whether a move makes sense:
1. Time is Money
How much is your time worth? Spending two, three, or even more hours in traffic every day adds up quickly. Those hours spent in your car could be spent with your family, exercising, or doing something else productive. By relocating closer to work, you could reclaim that time, leading to a better work-life balance and less stress.
2. The Costs of Commuting
Gas prices, tolls, public transportation fares, and parking fees can add up quickly over the course of a month. Not to mention the maintenance costs of your vehicle. By moving closer to the office, you can cut down on these expenses and potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.
3. Access to Amenities and Services
Living closer to the office doesn’t just mean a shorter commute. It often means being near more amenities, such as shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and public services. Finding a home in a neighborhood with convenient access to these things can improve your overall quality of life.
4. The Housing Market Advantage
The Chicagoland suburbs offer a wide variety of homes in different price ranges and locations. You may be able to find a beautiful new construction home or a charming property in a neighborhood with shorter commutes and great schools. Plus, with the current housing market, it could be the perfect time to sell your current home while the market is still strong.
Exploring Your Options: What’s the Best Move for You?
If you’ve decided that moving closer to work makes sense, it’s time to explore your options. Here’s how Helen Oliveri Real Estate can help you navigate the process:
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Selling Your Current Home: We’ll guide you through the process of selling your current home, ensuring you get the best price in today’s competitive market. Our expert team will provide a comprehensive market analysis to help you price your home correctly.
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Finding the Right Neighborhood: With many new construction homes available in desirable Chicagoland suburbs, we’ll help you find a community that’s not only closer to work but also offers the amenities and lifestyle you’re seeking.
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Balancing Location and Affordability: The perfect location may be closer than you think. Whether you’re looking for an urban setting or a suburban oasis, we’ll help you find the right balance of location, affordability, and convenience.
Thinking About Making a Move?
If you’re struggling with a long commute and are considering moving closer to work, now may be the perfect time to take action. Whether you’re looking to sell your current home or find a new one that’s better aligned with your lifestyle, Helen Oliveri Real Estate is here to help you explore your options and make your next move a success.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you navigate the process of finding your dream home closer to work!
