Since Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers custom building layouts, the best location for Nook's Cranny is a constant question everyone asks themselves whenever they begin a new Island. In the past, Animal Crossing has always had a predetermined place for the small "mom and pop shop" (or more accurately uncle, nephew, and nephew). Finding the best location for Nook's Cranny in New Horizons really comes down to one thing - Island Layout.

Several factors influence where Nook's Cranny business should be located, but the main influence comes from the default layout of the Island. In the beginning, there are certain locations that Nook's Cranny cannot be simply because the player lacks the vaulting pole that allows them to get from section to section. However, as Animal Crossing: New Horizons progresses new terraforming tools are unlocked, granting everyone the ability to edit these rivers and waterways as they see fit. So, the best location for Nook's Cranny should be determined by what the player wants their Island to look like.

Related: How to Restart Your Island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

In the end, the different kinds of Islands that can be built in Animal Crossing: New Horizons can be divided into three different (unofficial) community types. There are Islands built for convenience, Islands built after commercial inspiration, and Islands modeled after small towns. Nook's Cranny is directly impacted by all three of these choices and should be built in the correct location accordingly.

The Best Location for Nook's Cranny in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Nook with two others speaking on the mic in Animal Crossing

Islands built for convenience have everything built with the player's house in mind. Not everyone wants to travel from side to side of the Animal Crossing Island to put their new items from Nook's Cranny in their home. So, in this case, the best location for Nook's Cranny is going to be near where the main player's house will be built.

Islands built after commercial inspiration are going to have separated architecture in mind, keeping Nook's Cranny and other related public services away from as many houses as possible. There should still be enough room in the area for buildings like the Museum or Able Sisters, but the original location of Nook's Cranny should be placed in an isolated area. When the time comes, rebuild the island to separate Nook's Cranny and make a commercialized section of the Island.

The final location where Nook's Cranny should be placed is in the center of the Island, near the Town Hall. This is the best location for Nook's Cranny for those who want to give their Island a small-town feeling and keep all of their public places in a central location. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, it will make traveling to every key location easier.

More: How to Get the New Obon Festival Items in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available on the Nintendo Switch.