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Find out more about Chuck: Chuck Harvey believes that every working family should have the opportunity to buy a home. A writer for a national home building trade publication, Chuck has seen prices rise to levels higher than most families could afford, especially in urban and suburban locations like Las Angeles and Orange County. And he has written about the foreclosure mess that force many families out of their homes. Now, home prices have fallen to more realistic levels and although financing is not as loose as it was, working families can find fixed rate financing through sources like FHA and VA loans. Chuck explores home buying opportunities and how best to make the American dream come true. |
For some home buyers simply living near their jobs isn't enough. As an alternative to freeway gridlock and traveling long distances each day, some buyers choose live-work units that feature condominiums or town homes above work areas where residents can operate offices or small business. Live-work units are ideal for psychologists, architects, accountants and other professionals seeking to cut gas usage and simplify life. City planners like live-work housing for its practicality and good use of space. The housing answers demand by people looking to telecommute or operate a business at home. Some of the live-work developments have play areas for children and on-site shops and restaurants. The housing, which has gained popularity in California, offers a wide range of design and floor plan options.
The Olson Co., builder of Olson Homes, is in the final phase of sales at SOCO Walk contemporary town homes with live-work units in downtown Fullerton next the the railroad station. The development has the advantage of easy transit by rail north to Los Angeles or South to San Diego. The town homes range up to 1,800 square feet with three bedrooms and three baths. Buyers have 20 floor plans to choose from. Prices start in the $400,000s.
In Northern California, Watt Communities provides live-work housing with condominiums and town homes at its Centreville at Rohnert Park development. The residences range from 900 square feet to 1,500 square feet with one or two bedrooms and pricing from the high $400,000s. The live-work areas are located adjacent to the garage. One of the models offers the live-work units one the lower level of two floor condos while the other is on the lower level of three-floor condos.
Urban Pacific Builders will feature live-work units along with condominiums, lofts, town homes and apartments at the Brookhurst Triangle in Garden Grove. The $300 million, 15.6-acre, 750-unit development will include 40,000 square feet of retail space. The project will be developed in several phases, with the first units expected to be completed in 2009.
In considering a live-work housing development, it is important to know the neighborhood and what kind of housing is located nearby. Some of the projects are built on former industrial sites or in previously rundown neighborhoods. So it is up to the buyer to determine if the new development is in the right location for safety and a good standard of living. But from a practical standpoint live-work units certainly provide a practical lifestyle. And they can save a great deal on gas bills.
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