What to Look for in a Neighborhood

A lot goes into buying a home. Not only are you looking for a home that meets all your needs, but you’ll also be looking for a neighborhood that does the same. These are big decisions, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. While you may already know what you’re looking for in a home, have you thought about what you want in a neighborhood? If you’re still determining what kind of neighborhood you’d like to move to, then here are the questions you should ask yourself.

One of the most important considerations you should evaluate when looking for a neighborhood is its safety. This is particularly true if you have young children. You want them to grow up in a safe environment. You can research a neighborhood’s safety by checking the crime statistics in the area. We also recommend driving or walking around the neighborhood at different times of the day to get a feel for how safe and secure it is.

Another thing you should consider when looking at a neighborhood is how easy it is to get from one place to another. Is the neighborhood close to the main streets and highways? Will you have easy access to public transportation with bus or train stations nearby? Is there a local airport? In addition, think about whether you’ll be able to walk or bike to nearby amenities, such as parks, restaurants, grocery stores, and local attractions.

Speaking of bikes, is the neighborhood safe for bicyclists? Do the local roads include bike lanes? Are there places to park and lock up bikes near popular destinations? Do local public transit options allow you to take a bike aboard? When you visit, do you see other residents riding their bikes in the neighborhood?

Nobody wants to live near noise, whether it’s street noise or noisy neighbors. Living in a peaceful environment and getting a good night’s sleep are important to most buyers. So, if possible, visit the home a different times of the day to see what kind of ambient noise you may be dealing with. Check to see how close the property is to busy streets as well as commercial districts. Also, take into consideration how close the house is to the neighbors. The closer you are, the more likely sounds from the neighbors might annoy you.

You should also check out what kinds of amenities are close to the home that you may enjoy. Look for parks, cultural attractions, nature preserves, restaurants, and conveniences such as grocery stores, banks, and gas stations. Having these amenities close by may be more important to you than you realize.

Finally, you should also look for signs that residents are actively engaged with the community. Are people out walking their dogs? Do they utilize public spaces? Are there frequent community events such as live music or even fundraisers? Moving to a neighborhood where residents are actively engaged in the community can be a real asset and even influence the value of your home.