What is a Bedroom Community and What Does it Mean to Live in One?

If you’re a working professional who wants the best of both worlds – employment in a big city and a quieter, residential area to return for a good night’s rest – a bedroom community may be the ideal choice. Bedroom communities refer to residential areas with larger cities nearby to which most residents commute for work. These communities, sometimes also called commuter towns, can be an appealing option for buyers with specific needs who are looking to move from the city to the suburbs.

Read on to learn more about what a bedroom community is, and to determine if living in one is the right fit for you.

Bedroom community definition

Bedroom communities refer to neighborhoods where most residents commute elsewhere for work and spend much of their time outside of the home. These communities are often close to a major city.

But what exactly makes a bedroom community different from other types of neighborhoods? Typically, bedroom communities consist of spacious single-family homes rather than apartments, townhomes and condos. It is most common to find commuting parents with children who live in these, as opposed to single persons or married couples without children. Bedroom communities are often characterized by their lower cost of living and crime rate, good schools, well-manicured appearance and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike major cities, though, these communities usually have fewer options for shopping, transportation, employment, dining and entertainment.

Although often mistaken for the suburbs, bedroom communities differ from suburban areas in a few ways. While suburbs are usually located on the outskirts of a city, bedroom communities are generally a considerable distance away from the city in more rural areas. Suburban areas also typically offer wider access to public transportation and goods and services, along with having a more diverse group of residents.

However, there can be major benefits to buying a home in a bedroom community rather than a suburb or larger city – which we’ll discuss a bit later.

History of bedroom communities

After World War II, families grew exponentially – and with such growth came a shift in living priorities. Families began to search for an escape from the crowded, crime-ridden city life. With the rise of the automobile in the 1900s, Americans found it possible to live in suburban and rural areas and commute to the city for work; bedroom communities emerged because of this new possibility.

Since then, their popularity has grown as more working professionals seek the benefits associated with living in a bedroom community. We’ll now discuss some of those benefits along with a few potential drawbacks to consider before making the move to a bedroom community.

Advantages of bedroom communities

As we’ve briefly discussed, there are many conveniences that come with living in a bedroom community. Depending on your unique needs and preferences as a buyer, it could be a great living option. Here are just a few advantages of bedroom communities.

More space

Houses in bedroom communities typically have ample space to accommodate families – and at a relatively lower price. Prospective buyers may find that the idea of having their own backyard, driveway and garage has them sold on a bedroom community, rather than choosing to live in more expensive condos, apartments, suburbs or urban settings with less space.

Closer communities

Living in a big city can be exciting. But some could also find it difficult to find connectedness and community in such a populated area. On the contrary, residents of bedroom communities often form close-knit bonds as they associate closely and raise their families together. Since there are less distractions and bustle than you’d find in the big city, those living in bedroom communities tend to enjoy more bonding opportunities in a cozy, small-town atmosphere.

Family lifestyle

There’s a proverbial saying that it takes a village to raise a child. For this reason, the quiet, close-knit environment often found in bedroom communities may make them a good choice for families with young children. These areas can offer better schools than some urban settings, while also being a safer living option. Parents might also benefit from the support of neighboring families with similar interests and lifestyles.

Public transportation

Since bedroom communities are designed with commuters in mind, they are typically close to public transit systems so that residents can easily travel from work to home. For commuters who don’t own a vehicle or want to cut down on fuel costs, such reliable public transportation comes in handy.

Disadvantages of bedroom communities

Bedroom communities come with many advantages, but they might not be the right fit for everyone. Here are some possible disadvantages of living in a bedroom community.

Longer commutes

Even with reliable public transportation or a personal vehicle, residents of a bedroom community may still find themselves facing longer commute times. Since bedroom communities are often located substantial distances away from urban areas, commuters should prepare to possibly spend hours each day traveling between home and work. And rush-hour traffic may extend an already lengthy commute. It is also wise to consider the cost of commuting, as gas prices and vehicle maintenance can add up quickly.

Not as walkable

Urban neighborhoods are known for being pedestrian friendly. In contrast, bedroom communities and their suburban feel are typically designed for car culture and won’t be as walkable as big cities.

Less nightlife

In the big city, there’s no shortage of restaurants, bars and other social hubs that create a lively nightlife scene. Bedroom communities, on the other hand, are usually much quieter and have fewer entertainment options. Those who choose to live in a bedroom community may have to venture into the city for a change of pace and scenery, as life there could become monotonous for some.