Five Insider Secrets to Finding the Perfect Address

At Vivly, we make sure to carefully choose locations that make life easier, more enjoyable, and more connected. We know that even the most beautifully designed home needs the right setting to truly feel like home.

So, how do we find the best places to build? Over the years, we’ve developed a tried-and-tested approach to picking locations that work for real life. Whether you’re house-hunting now or just starting to think about a move, here are five insider secrets to help you choose a place that ticks all the right boxes.

1. Travel Time Isn’t Just About the Commute

One of the first things we look at when choosing a new location is connectivity, to both big cities and the places people go every day. A new home should make life simpler, not add extra stress to your routine.

That’s why we always check what the commute actually feels like, not just what’s on a timetable. A quick train journey on paper can mean a long wait for connections, and a ‘short’ drive might turn into a daily traffic jam.

Try this: Test your commute at the time you’d actually be travelling. Apps like Google Maps and Waze let you check real-time traffic conditions. If you’re commuting by train, use Trainline or National Rail to compare journey times and costs across peak and off-peak hours.

It’s also worth thinking beyond work. How easy is it to get to friends and family? Are there good public transport links for visiting loved ones or heading out for a weekend away?

2. Convenience Matters More Than You Think

One of the biggest factors we consider when choosing a location is convenience, because the little things add up. Imagine it’s late at night and you’ve run out of milk. Where’s the nearest shop? Can you get a food delivery without waiting two days?

We always check the availability of major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and ASDA, as well as whether services like Ocado deliver.

But the best places also have great local food options, whether it’s a farm shop, a bakery that makes your Saturday mornings better, or a butcher that’s famous for its Sunday roasts. If you’re a coffee lover, can you grab a proper flat white within walking distance?

And don’t forget takeaways. If you love a Friday night pizza, check what’s available on Deliveroo or Uber Eats. Some areas are full of great options, while others might leave you stuck with just a couple of chains.

3. Everyday Essentials Are Easy to Overlook, But You’ll Notice If They’re Missing

One of the first things new homeowners tell us is how much they appreciate having the small essentials close by. A missed delivery, an urgent prescription, or needing cash for a local event can all be frustrating if you don’t know where to go.

We always check for:

• Postboxes and sorting offices– You’ll need them more than you think. Use the Royal Mail postcode finder to see what’s nearby.

• ATMs and cash machines– Not everywhere takes contactless! Use Link’s ATM locator to find one near you.

• Pharmacies – If you need a prescription at short notice, knowing where your closest late-night chemist is can be a lifesaver. Check NHS Find a Pharmacy for locations and opening hours.

Before you decide on a home, take a walk around the local high street. The best places have the basics within easy reach, so you’re never stuck when you need something in a hurry.

4. First Impressions Matter, But So Do the Details

We always take time to look at the approach to a development, not just the homes themselves. Does it feel welcoming? Is the road well-lit at night? Are there green spaces nearby?

A beautiful home is even better when it’s in a setting that feels good to come back to. We look at:

• Traffic flow – A peaceful street during the day might get busy at school pick-up time.

• Street lighting – If you’ll be walking home at night, does the area feel safe and well-lit?

• Local footpaths – The best places to live often have good walking routes nearby, whether it’s for dog walks, running, or a scenic Sunday stroll.

A good trick is to use Google Street View to check what the area looked like in previous years. Have there been big changes? If so, why? Understanding the past can tell you a lot about the future of an area.

5. A Good Community is Worth More Than Any Feature

We always spend time getting to know an area before we decide it’s the right fit because we care about the neighbourhoods just as much as the homes that make them.

One of the simplest ways to do this is people-watching. Spend time in the local café, browse the shops, or sit in the park. Do people stop and chat? Is there a strong sense of community?

Another great tip is to join local online groups before you move. Sites like Nextdoor, Facebook community pages, or even local WhatsApp groups can give you a real feel for what people care about. Are they talking about upcoming events and local businesses, or are most of the discussions about traffic problems and planning disputes?

A friendly neighbourhood can’t be built overnight, but you can always tell when a place has a strong sense of belonging.

Why We Choose Locations This Way

At Vivly, we put real thought into where we build because we know it's about more than finding space. We want our neighbourhoods to add to communities where people feel connected, comfortable, and part of something special.

If you're searching for a home, these insider secrets will help you make a more informed decision. And if you’d like to know more about how we choose our locations, or find out about one of our developments, we’d love to chat.

Get in touch.