Picking the Right Neighborhood

When shopping for a home, most people take their time searching for the perfect house. The question is, how much time should be spent searching for the right neighborhood as well? To find the superb setting for your new home, the house and neighborhood need to offer what your family desires. The following information should be helpful when trying to determine if a neighborhood is right for you.

Paint a mental picture of your perfect neighborhood. Write a list of the characteristics your ideal neighborhood would possess, taking into consideration your long and short term needs. Then answer the following questions:

• Do you have or plan to have children ?
• How far are you willing to commute ?
• How much property do you want surrounding your home ?
• Are you looking for a rural or urban setting ? What is the “walkability” of the neighborhood?
  
• Do you prefer a historic neighborhood or one with more modern homes?
• Would you be comfortable in a neighborhood with lots of noise and activities or would you prefer a more quiet serene one?

With these questions answered you now have a clearer idea of the characteristics you want in your new neighborhood. This should help to narrow your search area. Start by scouting around neighborhoods that appear to fit your established criteria. For example, search a radius around your place of employment using your determined maximum commuting distance. You may find that an additional 2 miles added to your commute will put you into the neighborhood of your dreams.

Once you have located a neighborhood that meets your specifications, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and during the weekend to get a true feel for the environment. Look for the warning signs of a troubled neighborhood such as abandoned buildings, vandalism, and poorly maintained streets and sidewalks. Talk with people in the neighborhood and see if they will share the pros and cons of living in the area.

Local officials and internet research should be able to answer your questions regarding the following:

• Population demographic
• School system
• Crime statistics
• Property values and tax rates
• Local entertainment, shopping and dinning

Choosing the right neighborhood will make the transition to a new home much easier for you and your family. The extra time and energy spent researching will be well worth it.

If you are curious about neighborhoods in the area, give us a call. Our team has been helping buyers and sellers in the area for decades.

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