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Many urban areas promote the concept of working where you live, or living where you work, to simplify your life. But what does that mean when you’re buying real estate?
The main difference is in zoning requirements and building codes. Those that are primarily zoned as residential offer fewer options for commercial enterprises. Those zoned for industry often appear in areas of urban renewal where former warehouse conversions offer work-spaces and lifestyle lofts.
When historic buildings go through the renewal process, they are often repurposed as living space with attached retail. For example, creating occupancy areas that otherwise would decay into disuse sometimes allows for relaxed residential standards that let artists and musicians enjoy higher sound levels or use of solvents that new construction zoning and code requirements would not allow.
Who Occupies Live-Work Properties?
Often, communities of artists or musicians join forces to live in joint, workspace facilities. Some urban centers have created “Artists’ Projection Zones” that impose rent controls, property price-increase limitations and other restrictions to create affordable living and working space for artists. These locales determine occupancy based on adherence to specific rules of their artistic endeavors.
Other live-work spaces appeal to business start-ups and entrepreneurs. These spaces develop an incubator atmosphere where the lack of commute inhibits the interruption of ideal flow. Some interdependent industries share the same space to reduce the need to ship product or services outside the facility.
Telecommuters and virtual employees fit better into the residential live-work facilities. Often, these buildings offer high-speed internet, access to shipping and delivery services and community spaces to gather for a meal or socializing.
Whether it’s a studio above a store-front, converted warehouse, or repurposed factory, if you thrive in an energetic and industrious atmosphere, a life-work space may be right for you. When seeking a live-work space, let your real estate agent know what you’re looking for so that you find that perfect situation.
About the Author
Judy Szablak
With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.
She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.
Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”
Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com
