As commute times have gotten longer and longer, many of us find ourselves spending long hours behind the wheel of our cars. While there are certainly some advantages to living far away from the office or the factory, there are also important benefits to living close to where you work.

Flexibility

Living close to your workplace gives you the flexibility you need to balance your home and your work life more effectively. When you live only a few minutes away from the office, you might be better able to take advantage of overtime opportunities and still have time to spend with your family. You also have the opportunity to run back into the office to fix a problem, without spending hours on the road going back and forth.

Reliability

Living close to the workplace can also make you a more reliable employee. When bad weather strikes, those who live farther away are more likely to experience difficulty getting into the office. But if you live only a few minutes down the street, your commute is likely to be less problematic. That can make you the go-to person when the weather is bad, and cause your boss and co-workers to rely more on you and your ability to make it to work in even the toughest weather conditions. That reputation for reliability can serve you well in your career.

Low Costs

The cost of gasoline is not likely to drop any time soon, nor are the costs associated with wear-and-tear on your car. By keeping your home nearby and your commute short, you can greatly reduce those costs. Simply living close to the office can save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars a year in reduced fuel costs and vehicle maintenance expenses. Less time in the car also means less air pollution, and that is good for everyone.

Health

Choosing to live close to your workplace can even help your health. If you live close enough to walk or bike to work, you can enjoy some great exercise while you make your way to the office each day. Even a small amount of exercise every day can be beneficial, and incorporating that exercise into your daily routine amplifies those health benefits.