Buyer Resources - Tips for Finding the Right Neighborhood
When buying a home, you've undoubtedly heard the old adage "location, location, location." While you should, of course, consider a home's location, choosing the right neighborhood for your family's needs is important, too.
Falling in love with a particular home's features is easy -- after all, those granite countertops really are gorgeous and that sunken whirlpool tub looks so relaxing -- but it's just as important to choose a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle. When you're out house hunting, add the following neighborhood characteristics to your list of factors to consider:
- Proximity to services and work
- Neighborhood demographics
- Sense of community
A house can have a great price and features, but if your job and services -- such as grocery stores, malls, restaurants and the post office -- aren't close, you're going to spend more time driving.
Some people don't mind driving; in fact, since 1990, commutes of 90 minutes or more have increased exponentially.
However, for those who value being able to walk to a coffee shop in the morning or don't want to spend hours commuting every day, proximity is a significant factor. Plus, when frequently used services are close, it saves you time and fuel costs -- and lowers your car's emissions.
Neighborhood demographics are important, too. For instance, if you have young children, you might feel most comfortable living in a neighborhood that's home to many other families with children, rather than a community that consists mostly of retirees or college students.
Stroll through the neighborhood and ask residents what it's like to live in the area. Seek out local parks, rec centers and other attractions. Visit at different times of day to get a realistic sense of traffic and noise levels. Explore crime and school success statistics to get a comprehensive picture.
Finally, evaluate the sense of community. If there's an association, how often does it meet? Does it hose events? Do residents know their neighbors? Neighborhoods with active associations focus on building community, which translates into a safer, more enjoyable place to live.
Take these factors into account, and you're more likely to find the perfect house -- and a neighborhood that you love just as much as your new home.
