Relocating, even locally, is a major
decision. Where you live has a profound effect on your lifestyle, so it is
important to ask yourself “What do I want out of my next neighborhood?”
Researching neighborhoods can help you narrow down choices and streamline the
property search for your real estate agent. In this article, we’ve gathered
some of the top considerations of choosing a neighborhood during your real
estate journey.
1. Safety First: Peace of Mind in a New
Neighborhood
The safety of your prospective neighborhood
is of utmost importance during your home search. While there are many factors
that can contribute to safety, there are a few key measures that can help you
evaluate your decision:
- Crime Rates: Use resources like
local law enforcement offices or online databases to examine crime rates.
This will give you a clear idea about the safety of the neighborhood.
- Community Watch Programs: These
programs are an effort for law enforcement and residents of a community to
work together to help increase safety. Whether it’s watching for and
reporting crime or having a plan in place during natural disasters, being
in a neighborhood with this type of program can help residents feel safer.
- Infrastructure and Safety Measures: Inspect
the condition of infrastructure like accessible sidewalks, roads,
streetlights and security systems. Also, consider the closeness of
emergency services like hospitals and police stations. These factors
contribute to a safer living environment.
2. Convenience & Amenities: Quality of Life
in Your New Neighborhood
The availability of amenities and
conveniences can significantly affect the quality of life in a neighborhood.
Easy access to grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals and other crucial services
is essential. It can save you time, add convenience to your daily routine and
may be critical in an emergency. Finding neighborhoods with parks, community
centers or sports facilities also offer opportunities for outdoor activities,
exercise and socializing, especially for young or multi-generational families.
Good public transportation options can help
simplify commuting and reduce the need for a car, saving you money on costs
like gas and maintenance. Walkable neighborhoods also indicate an increased
perception of safety (which helps discourage crime), reduced air and noise
pollution and overall may help improve quality of life for you and your family.
3. Education and Opportunities: A Paramount
Factor for Your Family
Education is a significant consideration,
especially for families with children. Research the area's schools or school
district, noting graduation rates, academic performance, and parent and student
reviews. Websites like GreatSchools.org can provide valuable insights and help you
decide whether a public or private school is best for your family. Evaluate the
availability, reputation and cost of both private and public schools in the
area based on your preference.
While the school your child or children
attend is important, extracurricular activities should also be factored in. A
neighborhood that offers various extracurricular opportunities can enrich your
child's education beyond academics. Look for sports teams, arts programs and
community organizations in the areas you are conducting your home search.
4. Commute and Transportation: Convenience as
a Deciding Factor
They say time is money and how you spend it
can affect your routine and home life. Whether you’re a remote worker with a
busy social and family schedule or spend much of your time in the office,
commuting times and transportation options can greatly impact your daily
routine. Average commute times can indicate the convenience of a neighborhood.
Shorter commutes can save time and lower stress levels, but this can also
impact real estate price points depending on the region or city you are buying
in. Research these times for your potential neighborhoods to ensure they align
with your lifestyle.
Easy access to major highways, toll roads or
public transportation can make commuting or traveling more convenient. In
addition, consider the availability of bike lanes or walking paths for
eco-friendly commuting options.
Whether it’s low crime rates or proximity to
green spaces, there are many reasons to choose a neighborhood. Prioritize your and
your family’s needs and share these with your real estate agent. Choosing the
right neighborhood and community is just as important as your minimum square
footage requirements. We hope you find this list helpful in your search
