So after my three month stint in a small town 5 miles from my work, living by myself and my loyal companion of a dog and covering household expenses solo, I have decided to move back to the city I moved from initially. I am adding a 20 mile commute back to my schedule in order to live with my SO as well as our best friends. Sounds ludicrous!
Well, for the quality of life I think not.
Currently, I live alone. Away from friends. No place to play my drums. And living on top of a business I cannot even play music until after 8. Im a musician and being able to not enjoy a little Steely Dan while dish washing is a HUGE burden to me, since I favor music and activity over TV and being dormant.
This place is wonderful, if I was a quiet little mouse. $750 a month with all utilities included. I pay $35 a month for internet and my commute now is less than 5 miles. However, my friends are 30 minutes away, and my family another 40 on top of that.
My new plan I feel would be better for me at the expense of a little commute.
We are moving into a 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, 2000 SF house at $1575/month with nothing included.
My SO and I are paying $300 each plus share of utilities.
Our two roommates agreed to pay $487.50 each with share of utilities.
Since we as a unit are paying $112.50 a month more for technically less space, since we are in one bedroom we are getting one full bathroom to ourselves.
I think this is a reasonable way to split the cost. Especially since, the three of them all work in the city and I am the ONLY on who has a commute to work.
ALSO, this is the best part. Since we are getting a house, it has a almost finished basement with 9 foot ceilings. This is going to be my band room. One of the main reasons I'm willing to do this!!!
My budget will technically be the same. What I'm not paying in rent is just added back to commuting cost. So instead of $750 a month/ no commute, I'm not paying $300 a month/ ±$200 for gas a month to commute.
Sounds pretty legit?