Are you ready for the coming shift of driverless cars? While it might seem like some sort of futuristic vision, the truth is that driverless vehicles will be on the road within a few short years. Let’s explore three keyways they are going to help shape how we think about our homes in the very near future.
#1: Goodbye, Garages
It might seem a bit strange to think about now, but many people are likely to get rid of their cars entirely. Car ownership is expected to shift to entrepreneurs and services who offer vehicles for on-demand use. We are already starting to see this transition take place, especially with city dwellers who are getting used to Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services. So, if you do not own a car in San Francisco, having a garage attached to your house does not make much sense.
Consider the many uses that a family can get from the space currently occupied by a garage full of cars. Your house footprint can be that much bigger, or you can convert that area into more yard space.
#2: Get Used to Smaller Streets and More Efficient Land Use
The second significant change you are going to see is a complete re-imagining of how we design and use our San Francisco streets. Fewer people will own cars that need to be parked along the side of the street. Also, self-driving cars can move elsewhere for storage when they are not needed. This combination will allow city planners to thin streets, freeing up land use for bike lanes, boulevards, or larger yard areas. If you are the type that enjoys having a beautiful big front lawn, the coming shift to driverless cars will benefit you.
#3: More Space Means More Green
Finally, expect to see greener space around your house in the future. You will have more space for landscaping, flower beds, gardens, trees, and other yard fixtures. Even if you do end up owning a driverless car in the future, it is likely to be electric. The most substantial commitment you will need to make is either a charging plug and wall fixture or a large ground pad that the car sits on when it needs to top off the batteries.
There are few who doubt that driverless cars are going to cause a major shift in how we live, work, and move from place to place in San Francisco. If you are looking to take advantage of this shift when you buy your next home, contact us. Our team of real estate professionals will be happy to share excellent home listings that will be perfect for those looking to change how they use their car.