A Guide To Finding Your Perfect Neighborhood
Introduction
Buying a home is not just about the property itself but also the neighborhood it's nestled in. Choosing the right community can significantly impact your lifestyle and satisfaction with your new home. So, where do you begin your search? Here's a guide to help you find prospective neighborhoods that align with your preferences and needs:
Before You Start
Begin by making a list of the things that matter most to you. It might be the length and manner of your commute or access to the right type of school. Perhaps you would like to be close to parks and other recreational facilities or maybe the local nightlife is high on your list.
Whatever your priorities are, write them down so you have a good understanding of what’s most important. This solid understanding of your requirements will help guide your search.
Next, search online and leverage the various tools available to you for neighborhood research. The large “retail” real estate websites offer (Zillow, Realtor, Trulia) information on home prices, school ratings, safety statistics and local amenities. There are also many school-review focused sites (Great Schools, Best K-12 Schools for You, Schoolsparrow, publicschoolreview) that provide information on the local school systems. Remember “buyer beware” on all things posted online and do your own research.
Seek guidance from your local Realtor. They have years of experience and detailed knowledge of the local area to be able to guide you to specific offices and people to talk to for more detailed information. Similar to touring homes, there is nothing like first-hand observations and questions to provide you with your best information.
Narrow It Down
Once you have an area in mind, it’s time to take a deeper dive into your chosen neighborhood. Take a drive around the area but also ensure that you talk to the locals to get a sense of the community.
Perhaps attend one or two community events or use Google to find the most popular spots like coffee shops, restaurants, playgrounds.. Use these trips to strike up conversations with the locals and gather first hand information.
Don’t forget to visit your prospective neighborhoods at different times of the day and week. This will give you a sense of the community’s energy, traffic patterns and noise levels.
The Devil Is In The Details
You might think that school ratings are only relevant to those buyers with children. However, checking school ratings is always important as they have a real impact on property values and resale potential. Online resources such as local education websites can provide detailed information about schools in the area.
Always check the safety and crime rates in the neighborhoods that you are considering. Start by checking online databases, local police departments and community watch groups. This is a good area to quiz locals on when you first visit the area.
Take note of local amenities such as parks, shops and sporting facilities. Make sure to check back with your initial list of priorities to make sure your preferences are met.
Check what your commute will be from your chosen location to work, and make sure to check the trip home as well. It could be that a bus for the morning commute into NYC and train ride home may be your best public transit options. A location’s proximity to public transportation as well as proximity to nearby highways will impact a value to commuters, as well as directly impact home prices and taxes.
Another great way to get insight into a neighborhood is to attend some open houses. This gives you a close-up look at some potential homes as well as the opportunity to interact with local real estate agents to get a better feel for the community.
Other Ideas
Extend your research to cover any future development plans for the area. New houses, commercial developments or community projects can all impact property values so make sure you understand what is in the pipeline.
Always ensure that the neighborhood that you’re considering is in line with your budget considerations. Make sure you factor in property taxes, homeowner association fees or any other neighborhood specific costs.
Finally, always remember to consult with a local real estate agent like The Mavins Group. We can provide you with a range of valuable insights on local neighborhoods, market trends and potential future developments.
Conclusion
Remember, finding the perfect neighborhood depends on your personal priorities. If you combine online research, some local exploration and some professional guidance, you’ll be well equipped to make an informed decision that matches your personal preferences. Happy house hunting!
If you would like some help with researching your perfect neighborhood, let us know by clicking on the button below. You’ll find that we’re so much more than a move!