Moving should be a fun and exciting life event for everyone involved, but it is important for buyers to really dig deep into the area they are relocating to. While finding a city with plenty of job opportunities and a stable economy are crucial, picking out the best neighborhood with a great home for sale is also important. For many buyers, finding a newer development can prove to be a great move, as they won't have to worry about lack-luster homes surrounding their investment. These are other things that should be taken into consideration when comparing potential neighborhoods.
1. How does it differ from day to night? - While a neighborhood may seem like a safe and family-friendly place during the day, it could be completely different once it is dark out. Driving through a neighborhood, you will likely be able to point out any sketchy scenes that could leave you feeling uncomfortable, but it may be best to do this both during the week and on a weekend. This will give you a better idea on who may be living in the neighborhood, while also offering you a sense of security in both times of the day.
2. How safe is it really? - Even if the neighborhood seems quiet in the evenings, you may want to check online for some safety statistics such as crime rates. This can provide you additional peace of mind, while also helping to eliminate areas that may not be the safest for your family. You may also find yourself paying more for other housing expenses, such as home insurance, if you choose to purchase a home in a less-than-perfect neighborhood or community, so take this into consideration if you have your heart set on a home already.
3. How are the schools? - If you have children already or have plans to have a larger family in the future, you should be on the lookout for a neighborhood zoned for a great school district. For many parents, this can be a deal breaker, as having a safe and well-rated school system is crucial. Those who can afford private schooling may want to review both public and private options in the area, while checking out both daycare and pre-k centers is also important for those with young children or plans to grow their family. For parents completing a short-distance move, scheduling appointments to meet with the principal or to have a tour of facilities can make the transition easier for kids.
4. How long will your commute be? - Living a reasonable distance from work is important for parents, especially in households with both parents employed. Traveling a long distance can be challenging for those with busy schedules, while it can also increase the cost to commute to and from work. While a neighborhood could be more desirable than another, for those with a smaller budget, some sacrifices may be necessary to live closer to work. However, you may benefit from checking out alternative transportation options, as many cities have public transportation services that could eliminate monthly car and insurance payments.
5. Know what you are and aren't looking for - Before checking out potential neighborhoods and homes, you may want to sit down with the family and come up with a list of amenities and other characteristics that you do and don't want. While being close to restaurants and shopping may be desirable, being too located in an area heavily populated by students of older residents may be a turnoff and incompatible to your family's lifestyle.
