Tips on Choosing a Neighborhood

Finding the right home for you and your family is important and choosing the right neighborhood should be as well. Fear of the unknown is the single most significant obstacle in choosing a neighborhood for your home, and it shouldn’t be. There are several guidelines in which to follow and many things to consider when choosing the right neighborhood.

1. Research statistics. Log onto the internet, which is an incredible tool and should be taken advantage of. Check crime statistics in the area, demographical information, city and neighborhood amenities, school systems, property tax information, proximity to emergency services and businesses. Neighborhoodscout.com is an excellent website that offers an in-depth look into the characteristics of a community with customizable searches so that one can compare one community to another. Nabewise.com is another great website in which one can set up certain criteria to narrow down the list of communities in which to live. For example, maybe you and your family prefer to live in a secluded and remote area, or one that is in a trendy and mod location. The site also features virtual tours of neighborhoods as well as reviews from those who reside in those communities.
2. Visit the community. Not only should the community in which the prospective home be visited during the day, but at night as well. Is it well-lit? Are neighbors active in the community at night, grilling and barbecuing or are they quiet and reserved? Are there children playing in the street? A neighborhood can be completely different at night; it could be sketchy and less appealing or exactly how it was during the daylight hours.
3. Interview the locals. What better way to get more information on the community that to ask its current residents? Locals are a plethora of knowledge and will freely give their opinions of neighborhood safety and nuisance issues, as well as the pros and cons of the community. Your best bet is to also visit area businesses, schools, and municipal offices.
4. Research the resale values in the community and the potential resale value of the prospective home. Finding a neighborhood that will be more desirable and in high demand over the next few years requires looking into a crystal ball so to speak, but is essential before investing in a home. Questions in which to ask yourself are: are there activities and amenities within the community? Are there many pending home sales or listings in the community? Do most children in the neighborhood attend private schools or public schools? Are there plans to expand and improve local schools? Is there a growing business district or plans to revitalize the area? Are projects to enhance the neighborhood in the works? All these questions will help to assess the potential resale value of the home, maximizing your investment.
5. Older versus newer. Trying to choose between living in an older community or a newer community? Do you want to live in a historic neighborhood or a new development?

Newer neighborhoods offer more of a sense of community that older ones and older or more historical communities exude charm, but may not be as practical or economical for your family.

1. Location is everything. Do you want to live in a community that is within walking distance to beaches, parks, culture and shopping? How far are you willing to commute to work?
2. Remember your first impression. What did you and your family first notice about the community? Were the houses and landscaping well-maintained, did the homes and streets have curb appeal?
3. Your vision. Write your vision of the best neighborhood in which you can see living in. Then when visiting communities, keep your vision of the perfect neighborhood keeping in mind that they should match your criteria and tastes.

By following these suggestions, you can make the best choice to move into the perfect community one that will meet your family’s lifestyle and needs while making a sound investment for your future.

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