What to Look for When Choosing a Neighborhood

When shopping for a home, it’s not just about how many bedrooms you have, the size of the backyard, or if there is a bay window or a wrap-around porch. Everyone has a different checklist for what they are looking for in a home, and the neighborhood is almost always at the top of the list.

What makes a great neighborhood? You may have stories from your youth that make you want to recreate the ideal situation for those you love. While that may not be possible with the way communities are set up and how neighbors interact, there are some universal indicators of finding a great neighborhood.

The suburban dream you seek may be white picket fences and perfectly manicured lawns. But these are not the only tell-tale signs of a reliable neighborhood. Find a place to buy a home that will not likely go downhill with time. If you want to guarantee your house will appreciate on location, follow these tips on picking the right place:

1. Great Schools: Whether you have kids or not, a home in an area with a good school district is always a positive sign. Buyers flock to purchase homes near highly regarded schools.

2. Well-Kept Yards: You may have strong feelings about HOAs, but the truth is that they enforce conduct rules for the whole neighborhood. You don’t have to worry about your neighbor letting their grass grow waist-high or painting their home electric blue when you live in an area with an HOA.

3. Grocery Stores and Restaurants Nearby: How far would you have to drive to get groceries each week? What about nearby entertainment – do you have to go twenty minutes into town to grab a bite to eat? Consider local restaurants and how much they will contribute to your home’s value.

4. Dog Parks and Walking Paths: An active lifestyle is important to many people. People like the convenience of hopping on a walking path that weaves through the neighborhood. A nearby dog park is great for pet interactions and meeting nearby neighbors.

5. Neighborhood Pool: Does the neighborhood have a place to cool off during summer? One benefit to having a community pool is not having to maintain a pool in your own backyard. Instead, visit the neighborhood pool to meet new people and socialize.

6. Safety: Look up the area’s safety stats. Use official resources to get accurate crime reports. Survey the neighbors and check out the neighborhood NextDoor or Facebook page to sift through the latest happenings. This is something buyers are strongly encouraged to research independently before purchasing real estate.

7. Commute: How long would you like to drive to and from work? Even if you only go into the office a few times per week, it can be exhausting to make a long commute at the end of a long day.

As you consider your priorities for your future neighborhood, keep these aspects in mind. Then, when you find a place that feels right, maybe you can start to imagine your evenings sitting out on the porch, waving to the passersby.