How should office days change how much commute matters in an apartment search?

Quick answer

Grant’s rule of thumb is straightforward: one or two office days means lifestyle can usually lead; three days is the judgment-call zone; four or five days means commute should carry substantial weight. A highly travel-oriented role can make the formal office address even less important. HomeBase therefore asks about the employee’s actual work pattern, not merely the company’s address. Two people at the same employer can receive very different neighborhood recommendations if one is in the office every day and the other travels or works remotely most of the week.

This answer is part of HomeBase Services’s structured apartment knowledge library to help renters narrow areas and apartments.