Hey Lykkers. When you hear "good location" for a home, what's the first thing that pops into your head? If you said "a good school district," you're not alone. For decades, that’s been the gold standard.

And it’s still important—great schools support property values and are a must for families.

But what if you don't have school-aged kids? Or what if you're planning for a future that’s less about carpools and more about convenience, lifestyle, and resilience? A truly "good" location in today's world is about much more than test scores. It's about how the place functions for your daily life. Let's look beyond the school rating and discover what makes a location truly valuable.

Think about it: you'll go to work hundreds of times a year, but you'll only choose a school once or twice. Your daily commute isn't just a trip; it's a tax on your time, money, and mental energy. A "good location" minimizes this tax.

This isn't just an opinion—it's backed by data on well-being. Research by economists has quantified this cost. "Some people may enjoy a commute, but overall, longer travel time is linked to feelings of time crunch, which can increase stress levels," says Hilbrecht. A location that gives you back an hour a day is a location that pays you in quality of life.

The "Walk Score" and "Bike Score" Lifestyle Test

Can you walk to a coffee shop, a park, or a grocery store? This isn't just about quaintness; it's about practicality, health, and community. Neighborhoods with high "Walk Scores" often foster stronger social connections and make daily errands simpler and cheaper.

Test the walkability yourself. Visit at different times. Is there a lively street? Are the sidewalks well-maintained?

The Future-Proof Factor: Climate and Community Resilience

A "good location" is also a safe and stable one. This means looking forward, not just at the present.

Climate Risks: Is the area in a flood zone, a high-fire-risk area, or prone to extreme heat? Check FEMA flood maps and local climate risk projections. Insurance costs are skyrocketing in vulnerable areas, making them financially risky in the long term, a trend well-documented by insurers and agencies like First Street Foundation.

Community Infrastructure: Look for signs of a healthy, invested community. Are parks being maintained? Are local businesses thriving? Is there evidence of public investment? A neighborhood with an active community association or business alliance often indicates a shared commitment to maintaining and improving the area.

The "Eyes on the Street" Feeling: The Intangible of Safety

Great urban thinker Jane Jacobs called this the cornerstone of vibrant city life in her seminal work. It's the feeling of safety created by natural surveillance—people walking dogs, neighbors sitting on porches, active storefronts. A "good location" feels passively secure because there are always people around going about their lives, not because it's gated or isolated. Jacobs famously stated that "the trust of a city street is formed over time from many, many little public sidewalk contacts" (Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities).

Visit at night and on a weekend. Does the street feel alive and watched over, or dark and deserted? That feeling is a powerful, intangible asset.

Putting It All Together: Your Personal Location Scorecard

So, how do you decide? Make your own scorecard. For you, a "good location" might be:

For a Young Professional: A 15-minute commute + great walkability to restaurants and transit.

For a Remote Worker: Reliable, high-speed internet infrastructure + a nearby co-working space or cafe.

For a Retiree: Flat, walkable streets + easy access to healthcare and community centers.

For Everyone: Low climate risk + that "eyes on the street" community feel.

The bottom line, Lykkers: School districts matter, but they are just one line on the balance sheet of a great location. By prioritizing your daily time, your access to lifestyle amenities, and the long-term resilience of the neighborhood, you'll find a place that doesn't just hold its value—it enriches your life every single day. Now, go take that new checklist on your next home tour.