Finding the right neighborhood.
When shopping for a home, most people concentrate on searching for the perfect home with all the amenities and features that they desire. But equally important is finding the right neighborhood. To find the ideal setting for your new home, both the house and the neighborhood need to offer what your family desires.
The following information should be helpful when trying to find the right neighborhood for you and your family.
Establish a list of the characteristics that fit your idea of the perfect neighborhood, making sure to consider both your long and short term needs, answering the following questions:
- Do you have or plan to have children
- How long of a commute are you willing to have?
- How much property do you want surrounding your home?
- Do you a rural or urban setting?
- Do you prefer living in a historical neighborhood or one with more modern homes?
- Do you want a more active neighborhood or do you prefer a serene one?
With these questions answered you should have a good idea of the ideal neighborhood. Start by scouting around neighborhoods that seem to meet your criteria. For example, search a radius around you place of employment using your determined commuting didtance, you may find that adding an additional mile or two will land you in your ideal neighborhood.
When you find what you think is the neighborhood that works for you, it's time to do some more research. It's a good idea to visit the neighborhood at different times of the day as well as different days of the week to get a true feel for the environment. Take the time to talk to some people in the neighborhood and get their take on living there.
Local officals or town website should get you answers to the following:
- Population demographics
- School system performance
- Crime statistics
- Property values and tax rates
- Local entertainment, shopping and dining
Spending the extra time and energy researching the neighborhood will make choosing the right one for you and your family easier.
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