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

Person who dies leaving a will specifying the distribution of the estate. ...

Written enumeration of the desired selling prices associated with homes or office buildings for sale. The prospective buyer can then determine if the properties for sale are within his ...

Person providing advice for compensation about real estate. ...

Real property being offered for sale that has received a contract for sale but has not gone to a closing. Under these circumstances, it may be possible to accept a refundable binder for ...

Branch of the federal government responsible for collecting taxes including personal and corporate. The IRS administers tax rules and regulations, and investigates tax irregularities. ...

Sponsor of a syndicate involving people or companies buying an interest in a real estate investment or unit. The group of investors are in effect engaged in a joint venture for profit." ...

The maximum pre-approved amount that an individual or business can borrow without preparing a new credit request. It is a safety buffer in the event funds are needed for unexpected ...

Decline in value of real estate property because it is near something which is damaging to its worth. For example, a house located next to a pollution treatment center, drug center, or ...

Way in which the U.S. government uses to subdivide public land. Land is designated as either a base line (East-West) or principal meridian line (North-South). It is a rectangular approach ...

Popular Real Estate Questions