If price were not an issue, most Bostonians know where they would want to live. Boston and its neighboring towns are full of unique and vibrant communities, all of which benefit from accessible public transportation and great places for residents and visitors alike to enjoy themselves. The more important question, though, is how a person wishes to live, and this inquiry implicates a number of lifestyle choices.

Looking holistically at how you live may be helpful in determining the sort of environment in which you might find yourself happiest. Do you want to be close to a grocery store? What about restaurants, bars, or a gym? Is quick access to the T an important consideration? More than mere geographic orientation and architectural modernity come into play here—it’s about community vibe, opportunities for civic engagement, safety considerations, and much more.

Companies like Zipcar and Hubway, which provide car and bike sharing services, respectively, have helped to improve the quality of life in Boston by significantly reducing barriers to the use of traditionally private forms of transportation. Both have been very well received and continue to expand their presence to meet local demand. The collaborative lifestyle that companies like Zipcar and Hubway enable can be further facilitated by new residential developments that create a sense of community among neighbors, increasing the opportunities to share and live more efficiently.

The concept: 250 – 300 square feet of private living space per unit, with 5,000 square feet of common space accessible to all. It would be the best of dorm life (in a personal space Continue reading →