When buying a home, most buyers investigate the neighborhood first.
Buying a home is the single largest purchase we will make in our lifetime. How can you be sure you are making a wise choice? Besides the house itself – the condition, the age, the storage space, and whether the layout works for you and your family, how about the neighborhood the house is located in? Here are the most important things to consider about a neighborhood.
Is there easy access to major freeways? With so many folks commuting to work, having a simple path to get on the road is something to think about.
Is there public transportation within walking distance of the home? With the ever increasing focus on the environment many of us are taking public transportation to and from work. Having bus or train routes nearby to link to major employment centers is a big plus.
New or established? Some younger families prefer a brand new development that they can grow with. All new sidewalks, parks, newly planted trees, and all the modern amenities that families with young children are looking for in a community. Some folks prefer a more established neighborhood, with older homes, larger lots, and mature trees. These neighborhoods may have homes that need some sprucing up, which gives a homeowner a chance to make it their own.
The distance to work. This may be the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood. Just remember to consider the commute time to and from, factoring in traffic, and possible weather related delays. Spending all of your free time in the car or on the train could affect your decision.
Quality public schools. If you have children at home, having good schools is a priority. Be sure to verify the scores of the public schools in a neighborhood before getting serious about buying a home there.
A neighborhood with residents of all ages. Consider whether a community with mostly young families with children appeals to you, or if you prefer a broader age range of neighbors. Newer developments often attract younger families, whereas established communities usually have a wider variety of ages and residents.
Walking distance to schools, shops and restaurants. Is it important to be able to walk to the school, a coffee shop or grocery store? Some neighborhoods are centrally located to this type of thing, where others are more tucked away from it all.
And speaking of being away from it all, do you prefer a more rural or country setting, out away from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or is a close knit neighborhood with homes within shouting distance your preference? Some folks like having sidewalks to jog and walk on through the neighborhood, and some like having nature and dirt paths to walk around on.
Those are a few key ideas that can help you choose the neighborhood when buying a home. Are you looking for your dream home in the right neighborhood? Call or email us today. We are here to help, and can show you what kinds of neighborhoods are available in your price range, and go over the pros and cons of each one. What do you want in a neighborhood?
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