If you ask urban professionals the difference between high-rise living in Dallas and in other large U.S. cities, right away they mention the value – larger space and more amenities for the price. Similar to reasonable single-home prices in the region, vertical living properties come in many varieties – lofts, condos, condo-hotels – that are typically located close to employment centers, major freeways, shopping and cultural venues. With the cost of fuel increasing, many are opting to live closer to work and spend less time commuting. In this section, we’ll highlight various areas of the region attractive to vertical living and the amenities you can expect.
Vertical living options can be found throughout Dallas, including Downtown, Turtle Creek, Uptown, and Victory Park. Downtown Fort Worth has more than a dozen vertical living properties to choose from with contemporary and traditional designs.
More people are coming to the Metroplex from across the country and across the world, furthering Dallas as an international city. Many foreign born residents are accustomed to high-rise living and prefer the convenience while an increasing number of suburbanites are finding the lifestyle change an easy transition.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING VERTICAL LIVING
Before purchasing a high-rise, loft, mid-rise or condo-hotel unit, there are several things to consider. While the urban lifestyle of vertical living may be right for some, others find they prefer living in a single-family residence. Below is an overview of a few things you should consider when contemplating vertical living.
Marital Status: Many single professionals are attracted to vertical living because of the lifestyle it supports. Often vertical living developments are built in close proximity to entertainment venues, offering hassle-free access to restaurants, clubs and bars. Young couples who do not have children and are not expecting to expand their families anytime soon are also attracted to this exuberant lifestyle. Additionally, many married empty nesters have gravitated toward vertical living because it offers a convenient lifestyle they are free to enjoy once their children have left home.
Commute Time: Working professionals realize time is precious. After a long day in the office, the last thing they want to do is commute for an hour back to the suburbs. This is why vertical living is appealing to them. Vertical living provides housing options in locations close to many major companies, which the majority of suburbs do not supply. By choosing vertical living, working professionals save time, money and gas.
Property Maintenance: Imagine having a professional repair man always at your service. When a pipe breaks, you make a phone call and someone comes to fix it. You no longer need to head to the hardware store, buy the supplies and fix it yourself. Vertical living supports this lifestyle, as many of the buildings have onsite property managers to assist you with all aspects of home maintenance. Many of the higher-end properties even have a full-service concierge to tend to residents’ every need, including show tickets and dinner reservations. Furthermore, while some loft properties now feature amenities including rooftop gardens, most vertical residences afford a routine free from yard maintenance.
Safety: Many people are drawn to vertical living because of its outstanding safety features. On a structural level, high-rise residential towers are commercial-grade products that require industrial strength concrete and steel. All of the building plans and materials must meet required wind and seismic ratings, assuring the safety of all tenants. These developments also require life-safety and sprinkler systems. Aside from structural safety, many vertical living developments feature guard-gated entries, security monitoring systems and onsite security guards. For people who travel frequently, the abundant safety features are especially appealing, providing them with the ability to “lock and leave,” knowing everything will be secure when they return.
Diversity: Vertical living developments offer a chance to live next to a diverse group of people. First-time tenants of vertical living compounds often find that their fellow residents come from every walk-of-life imaginable. As buildings can often be considered micro-communities, vertical living provides a chance to become acquainted with a host of interesting people.
Amenities: The amenities vertical living developments offer are truly unmatched. Some of the onsite services include concierge, room service, fitness centers, full-service spas, restaurants, valet, movie and game rooms and conference facilities. While some developments allow you to customize the interior of your residence to suit your specifications, many other properties feature turnkey-style living. Turnkey residences offer every imaginable upgrade, from appliances to furniture, in the pre-determined rent cost.
The View: For many people a scenic view may not be something that immediately comes to mind when thinking about vertical living. These people would be pleasantly surprised to gaze out of a panoramic window on the 25th floor of one of Dallas’ high-rise developments. Many of the projects offer spectacular views, including some of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable. From your vantage point high in the clouds, you can enjoy unmatched views of the hustle and bustle of city life.
Investment: Many people decide to purchase a vertical living residence for the sole purpose of having an investment property. With the prime location of many developments, investors often find that these properties rent more easily and at a higher price than single-family homes. Popular among investors are the condo-hotel properties, as they are placed into the hotel’s rental pool for a large portion of the year, thus becoming a supplemental source of income for its owner. Others choose to make an investment in a second home, offering an urban retreat close to shopping and entertainment destinations.