Knowing your Anchor Location

My request form asks for many different pieces of information so that I can help you find the apartment that you want or need.

However, you may or may not immediately understand what I mean when I ask for your "central" or "anchor" location. So, this post is to explain the meaning and why it is important for you to know - regardless of whether you want me to find a place for you to live.

Finding your anchor location

Your anchor location is the geographical place outside your home around which your life revolves. It may be your school, your office, your gym, your church, or the home/neighborhood where your family members and friends live.

In other words, it was likely the first place you thought when you heard the word "anchor." For whatever reason(s) you have, you find yourself passing by or through this location more often than any other place.

For my purposes, I want to know your anchor location because, all things considered, it's best that your new apartment be as close to that location as possible. Moving into a new place is stressful even under the best of conditions, but you have a better chance of feeling at home and satisfied if you don't have to move your whole life to accommodate where you hang your hat.

Your anchor location will change

Nothing lasts forever, and the areas that you frequent will change as life progresses. You may graduate from school, get a new job, or join a new gym. Your family situation might change, or you may enter into a new relationship.

Whether you realized it or not, a change in your anchor location has likely driven your apartment choice in the past. The need to be nearer to something may mean that you need a new address.

Be honest with yourself about what your anchor location truly is when you look for a new place. In the end, you'll be much happier if you don't feel isolated from the area where you feel the most gravity.