CHOOSING THE PERFECT NEIGHBORHOOD

CHOOSING THE PERFECT NEIGHBORHOOD

Buying a new home isn’t just about finding an architectural style that appeals to you or a house that feels perfect. A home is never going to be “just right” unless it’s located in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. Think about it; your neighborhood is an extension of your home. Essentially, it’s the larger space that you will be living in. So when it comes to neighborhoods, there are plenty of aspects to take into consideration. Here are just a few:

Urban versus suburban. Urban settings differ considerably from suburban locales. Do you prefer to walk to your favorite destinations? Ride a bike? Take a bus? Or you comfortable with having to drive to the store, library, or movie theater? An urban home can mean more hassle with parking, but can cut down on your expenditure on gas. It can also mean vibrant city life with accessible cultural attractions. On the other hand, the suburbs can be quieter but necessitate more driving or a longer commute. It’s all about accessibility.

·         Safety and crime rate. Obviously, most of us would prefer to live in a safe environment, so it’s a smart idea to find out information about crime statistics in your target neighborhoods. Will you be better off with a security system, or is the neighborhood a place where neighbors look out for each other and most people don’t lock their doors?

·         Schools. Even if you don’t have school-age children, the school district that you move into could have an impact on the resale value of your home. To learn about the school system in the neighborhood you choose, do some online research, visit city hall, and research statistics regarding test scores, per-pupil spending, and how the district is ranked compared to districts in nearby communities.

·         Convenience. How close do you want to live to shopping and other services? If convenience is key, you’ll probably want to make sure that you aren’t too far away from grocery stores, gas stations, banks, and a handy post office. Evaluate how often you use services near your current home and make a decision based on your family’s needs.

·         Activities. What types of opportunities are there for recreation in the neighborhoods you’re considering? Are there nearby parks? Gyms? A local library? Movie theaters and restaurants? Consider your own interest in certain activities and choose a neighborhood that accommodates your pastimes.

·         Zoning and future building. No one wants to be surprised when a giant eyesore pops up in the neighborhood, whether it’s a charmless office complex or a body shop with derelict cars languishing out front. What are the possibilities in your target neighborhood? Ask at city hall and read up on future business initiatives for the community so that you can be certain that you understand what you’re getting into.

·         And don’t forget the neighbors! It is absolutely never a bad idea to meet your possible future neighbors. Before you commit to moving into a new home, take a walk or two around the neighborhood to make sure you like the “feel.” If the weather is nice, you may even have the opportunity to talk to a few prospective neighbors and find out a little bit about the neighborhood culture.

Finding a house you love entails more than landing the right square footage and number of bedrooms. It’s about community. If you’re unsure of what you’re getting into, talk to your real estate agent. He or she will have information about the differences in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Good luck!

Call 281-376-0009 or visit our website at www.skyrealestatepros.com if you’re interested in receiving personalized help with your home sale and seller disclosure form.