When it comes to living and working in any given city, there are generally common factors that apply in each case but there are also individual nuances that give each town or city a unique flavour. This can be based on a number of factors such as population, culture, amenities, location, industries, prosperity, religion, recreation and climate, to name a few. Each factor is not isolated and will impact many of the others in some way to create the city’s own identity.
Our own circumstances, preferences and needs will also play a part when deciding whether any particular location appeals to us and is a good fit.
So let’s look at what to consider when deciding where to live and work. We’ll use the city of Mesquite in this example.
Mesquite is located in the northeastern part of Texas in the United States. It covers approximately 47 square miles and is a suburb of Dallas and part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It has a population of approximately 150,000 people which is diverse in its range of ethnic and cultural groups.
Mesquite is generally quite affluent but has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities in the United States. Housing costs are generally affordable although on the rise. Homes tend to sell quickly and there is a lot of competition among purchasers. A typical home in the area sells for around $200,000 and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,000 per month.
The area has many options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. There are 76 parks and four recreational centres in Mesquite, making it a great place for outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends. Lying just 15 miles to the east of Dallas means there are many more amenities a relatively short drive away.
On the downside, the city can suffer extreme weather with hot summers and severe storms, even tornados. The crime rate is higher than average, especially theft and property burglary. Traffic congestion is high and the city is not well-designed for walking around.
The city has a long history in the cattle industry and is home to the world famous Mesquite Championship Rodeo, which hosts events throughout the year.
Mesquite is also home to the Mesquite Arts Center, which features galleries, performance spaces, and art classes.
The city is served by the Mesquite Independent School District and has several higher education institutions, including Eastfield College and Texas A&M University-Commerce Mesquite Metroplex Center.
The city has relatively high employment rates and is home to a variety of industries, including manufacturing, retail, technology, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, education and healthcare.
These industries help to fuel a thriving commercial real estate market with a variety of properties available for lease or purchase. Popular Mesquite commercial real estate options for sale include:
- Office spaces: There are a variety of office spaces available, from small suites to larger multi-story buildings. These spaces are ideal for businesses looking for a professional environment to conduct their operations.
- Retail spaces: Mesquite is home to several shopping centres and standalone retail spaces that offer excellent visibility and footfall. These retail spaces are ideal for businesses looking to set up shop in high-demand areas that are easily accessible by car.
- Industrial spaces: The city has a number of industrial spaces available for businesses that require warehouse or manufacturing space. These types of spaces often feature large open areas, loading docks and plenty of room for parking.
- Land: Mesquite has a range of undeveloped land available for purchase, ideal for businesses looking to build their own facility or development.
Commercial brokers in Mesquite can assist in locating the best property for any particular business.
All in all, Mesquite has more going for it than against it. It’s a city on the rise, which is endorsed by its booming property market. When considering its good employment prospects and its range of facilities and amenities, its increasing popularity is understandable.
The kind of factors and information discussed apply to every location. Knowing these basic facts will provide the groundwork before doing more detailed research on your proposed destination. You will no doubt have your own additional requirements based on your personal circumstances and preferences. Collating this data will help identify a suitable place to live and work.