Definition of "bedroom community"

The definition of a bedroom community, or commuter town in real estate is a unique type of community that merely uses their homes to sleep, while doing everything else offsite. In a bedroom community, people work, eat and engage in recreational activities away from their homes, only returning to their domiciles to sleep.  

These communities are a fascinating phenomenon, characteristic of the unique social paradigms in large cities that manifest due to the dynamic nature of modern metropolitan life. Now, let’s look at an example of a bedroom community, and exactly what life looks like in one of these unique areas. 

Pros and cons of living in a bedroom community

In the past half-century, bedroom communities have cropped up across the United States, in virtually every major metropolitan city. A desire to escape the traffic, pollution, high crime rates and other woes inherent to city life has resulted in the forming of many such neighborhoods and suburban areas, as families increasingly migrate outwards into the periphery of major cities. 

There are many intrinsic advantages to living in a bedroom community. Safety, better schools, cleaner air and less noise pollution all contribute to a higher standard of living than one would find in an urban environment. Many suburban areas are actually bedroom communities, albeit unbeknownst even to many that live there. 

Despite the intrinsic advantages that accompany bedroom community living, there are also downsides that have to be acknowledged. Commuting to and from work eats into family time, Shopping becomes difficult when most stores are at a considerable distance from home and maintaining a social life with friends in the city becomes draining after a while. 

Weighing the upsides and the negatives, it’s safe to say that living in a bedroom community is ultimately a matter of personal preference. For some, it is well worth the inconveniences; for others, it is simply untenable as a way of life.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Type of investment company that invests money in mortgages and various types of investment in real estate, in order to earn profits for shareholders. Shareholders receive income from the ...

Frame surrounding a door or window to block adverse weather. It may be made of wood, metal, or other material. The frame may be fixed or moveable. ...

Same as term Veterans Administration Mortgage: Mortgage guaranteed up to 30 years by the Veterans Administration to veterans meeting minimum requirements. Originally established by the ...

Within Real Estate, “nuisance” is a term used to describe any disturbance that might affect neighboring houses. Nuisance abatement is the enforcing of policies and codes that ...

Calculator having various financial functions including present value, purchase price, property appreciation, lease costs, loan and mortgage amortization. ...

A lease requiring tenants to pay all utilities, insurance, taxes, and maintenance costs. ...

Any structure projecting from a wall or other vertical element for the purpose of providing support for a weight or other object. ...

Bankruptcy declared by any insolvent person or business. In contrast to involuntary bankruptcy, which is applied for by the creditors. ...

Residing in a structure that the individual owns. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions