What Should You Look for When Comparing Neighborhoods?

Finding a new home can be a daunting task: homebuyers must balance their wish list with their budget, their needs with their wants.  But choosing a neighborhood can be even more important, as where you live has a huge impact on your lifestyle, not to mention your property value and resale prospects.

So what should you look for when comparing neighborhoods?  The experts at Home and Garden Television offer a helpful checklist for narrowing down your neighborhood must-haves.

• Family.  Do you have children, or are you planning to start a family in the near future?  If so, your most important consideration is probably the school system that serves your neighborhood.  Living in an area with top-notch schools is also great for your property value, even if you don’t have kids.
• Home type.  Consider the type of home you’d like to buy, whether it’s a condo, a single-family home, a townhouse, or an apartment.  Then, see how much inventory of that specific type is available in different neighborhoods.
• Commute.  If you work long hours, this may be at the top of your list of considerations.  And if you have a partner, weighing each person’s commute is crucial.  If you like a particular neighborhood, practice driving from there to your job during the morning rush to get the best idea of what your commute will be.
• Historic or New?  If you love the charm of historic homes, a historic neighborhood might be your dream area.  However, if you’re looking for the convenience of a modern home, a new development could offer the amenities you value.
• Compare and Contrast.  Think about your current neighborhood, and what you like or dislike about it.  Is it too noisy at night?  Too far from shops or supermarkets?  Do you love its proximity to parks or walking trails?  Try to weigh these pros and cons to get a better idea of your top priorities for your new neighborhood.

Contact us for more helpful information on finding the right home–and neighborhood–for you.