You probably can’t wait to begin the home-buying process because it is such an exciting experience. When planning to relocate, one of the most crucial factors, as you relocate, is selecting a neighborhood. As much as you have chosen the house you want, it is important to consider where you should call home. Make sure you choose a home within a neighborhood that considers your preferred criteria. Here is a list of six things you should look for in a neighborhood or community:
1. Safety.
Safety is of utmost importance. A neighborhood’s low crime rate and good reputation are two things you should look for. Are the area and property you are considering near a well-lit area? How well-lit is the neighborhood? Is there a neighborhood watch in the neighborhood? What are the crime rates? Consider approaching a resident and getting their opinion about the neighborhood’s safety. Here are factors to consider when determining the safety of a neighborhood;
- Statistics on crime: Every area will have its fair share of crime, so don’t be overly discouraged if it seems like the neighborhood has some criminal activities. Get reports from law enforcement to get an overview of crime statistics in the area.
- Street lighting: You develop a feeling of safety when a neighborhood is well-lit.
- Neighborhood watch: Some families might value neighborhood watch. Inquire with local law enforcement or a resident about the existence of a neighborhood watch group.
- Consult your neighbors: Stop and inquire if you see anything unusual. Looking at a map of the area will allow you to determine whether or not the locals feel safe.
2. School District.
The school district is important to you for resale value even if you don’t have children when buying a house, don’t want to send kids to public school, or have kids who are too old for school. It is important to realize that a less-than-ideal school district may affect the value of your property when you sell or refinance even though it doesn’t always have to be a deal breaker.
What makes a school district good or bad?
- Parent Teacher Organization/Association (PTO/PTA): If you value open lines of communication and collaboration between parents and teachers, find out if the school has a PTO. How many people take part in the activity? When do they get together? What subjects are discussed when they get together? Is it a friendly and open group?
- Test results and data: The performance of a particular school district on the state average can be determined by looking at state test results.
- Sports and games: Finding a school district that supports your kid’s talents and interests will contribute to their success in sporting and extracurricular activities.
3. Consider your commute:
No matter how much you adore your new house, it won’t matter if you can’t get anywhere without tearing your hair out. Use online maps, such as Google Maps, to check the current traffic situation along your commute during peak hours before making a decision. The majority of online maps will also offer a feature that displays stops and routes for public transportation. It is crucial to think about where your workplace is in relation to your residence, especially if you want to have a short distance to commute. Look into alternative modes of transportation, such as buses or trains, if driving yourself is something you would prefer to avoid.
4. Restaurants, stores, and entertainment.
It is helpful to have dining options nearby because food is something you need every day but you might not always have the time to shop for groceries and cook a home-cooked meal. Therefore, a neighborhood closer to affordable restaurants should be what you think of while also considering closeness to stores and groceries for daily supplies. Depending on your lifestyle and how much noise and traffic you can tolerate it is very important to know if there are any nearby venues for events and how the nightlife is in the neighborhood.
5. Community parks and walking paths.
It is crucial to explore the outdoor amenities that a neighborhood has to offer. Take note of the neighborhood parks and walking paths if you have children or pets or if you just like being outside. You should search for good parks, trails, and paths when choosing a neighborhood. You should check out for things like:
- Sidewalks
- Walking paths
- Community parks
6. Medical facilities and Emergency Services.
How far are you from a hospital emergency room or fire station? The nearest hospital or police station can be surprisingly far away in some neighborhoods, so it is wise to be aware of those things before an emergency arises. Think about whether nearby primary care offices will accept a patient from your insurance plan. How close are any specialists you might need to contact to your potential home if you need to establish care? For the right provider, many people do not mind a commute, but as you make your choice, you should be aware of these factors.
