Is Loft Living Right for You?
Considerations to Make Before Choosing the Loft Lifestyle
After considering some of the pros of loft living, it might be helpful to consider, too, some of the elements that may be unappealing to those who are either not suited or not ready to take up the lifestyle. Take these factors into consideration before deciding that inner-city loft living is right for you.
Noise and Light
While not all loft spaces and loft apartments are located in very noisy or well-lit parts of the city, if you are living in a city’s downtown district, chances are you will have your share of noise and light. Be honest about the amount of noise and light you can tolerate and still be able to go about your daily and nightly routines. If you choose to live on an especially busy street, you may have street lights and neon signs lighting up your loft at all hours of the night. Or, you may have to become accustomed to the noises of party-goers, sirens or establishments that serve the late-night crowd. Before signing a lease, be realistic about how much might be too much sensory stimulation/distraction for you to handle.
Privacy and Security
Some of the things you will have to consider about living in a downtown loft is how much privacy you will be able to have. If this is something especially important to you, you might consider how much noise you will be able to make before the neighbors will hear, how much freedom you will have as far as making decorative alterations as well as how much your friends and acquaintances will want to come by as a result of your living where the party’s at. Another thing to take into consideration is parking. Many cities have limited on-street parking, so investigate what options are available to you, whether it be a private off-street parking lot or deck, as well as what you will have to pay to receive such additional amenities.
Pets and Children
While lofts can certainly be great homes for those who already have families, be aware that the nature of a loft’s position above a store or some other commercial space means that there are usually stairs to contend with. Ask yourself if continually maneuvering your children or pets up a flight of stairs might be too difficult or strenuous. Remember, you’ll have to contend with those stairs, too, every time you make a trip to the grocery store. If you have a pet, another consideration might be where the pet will be taken in order to “do their business.” Many cities have made efforts to provide parks and green spaces where people may walk their dogs. Either way, scope the area out and ask other residents where they take their pets for exercise and potty breaks.
Lifestyle
Finally, try to imagine yourself living the loft lifestyle. Ask yourself what it is about living in a loft or in a downtown area appeals to you. Do you like to go out often? Do you like living in close proximity to other people and places where you can socialize with other people? Does it just make your life more manageable or your commute more tolerable? Downtown loft living can be quite an adventure, but if you like to spend the majority of your off-time hiking or venturing into the great outdoors, perhaps the loft lifestyle if not the right fit for you.
Still not sure? This short quiz from Better Homes and Gardens may provide you with more factors to consider!
