10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Neighborhood

​Where you choose to buy a house is one of the biggest choices you’ll make in life. Below are 10 considerations when selecting your new neighborhood…

General Location: Accessibility, transportation options, and climate are among the many differences between locations.
 
Budget: Start with the finances before muddying the waters looking at homes! Ensure the monthly payment and closing funds required make sense, along with considering additional costs such as moving expenses and repairs/upgrades on the new home.
 
Cost of Living: Be sure to account for property taxes, utilities, groceries, entertainment, and the overall cost of living, as these things can vary significantly between neighborhoods.
 
Crime and safety: Crime and safety ratings should be on your list. Research local emergency and community resources, such as medical, fire, and police services, to make sure you have the security you need in a neighborhood. Ask your Realtor for added information to ensure your family feels safe!
 
Schools: If you have kids, you'll also want to do your research on schools. Assess rankings, available programs, and extracurriculars, along with the district's reputation and individual schools. You might also look at different types of schools, including public, charter, or private schools.
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Amenities: Jot down your must-have amenities, including shopping, dining, entertainment, parks, and recreation options. As you look for your new home, go down the list to see what's available in each neighborhood.
 
Proximity: How close is your new desired neighborhood to family, friends, school, and work? Think about walkability, driving time, fuel costs, and how close you want to be to important amenities.
 
Community environment: Get a feel for the overall community. Friendly neighbors and a diverse population can add to the appeal for many homebuyers. Consider the noise levels and overall comfort of the area you're looking at.
 
Pet-friendliness: For homebuyers with pets, an area with clean and safe walking paths, parks, and other pet-friendly amenities are top priorities. It's also important to consider any potential breed restrictions.
 
Value and growth: Do some research on the potential value and growth for the neighborhood. This is important because you want to buy in an area with strong anticipated appreciation in case you decide to sell your home in the future.
 
Weighing these factors against your priorities and budget will help you find the neighborhood that's the perfect fit for years to come!