A Guide To Choosing Your Next Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood to move into, especially one you intend to live in for a large percentage of your life, is a major decision that should never be made lightly. Once you have thought long and hard about your preferred lifestyle, the right neighborhood for you will become more obvious.
Decide Whether You Like Historic Or Modern Neighborhoods
Consider whether you prefer old and historic neighborhoods or new developments. Historic neighborhoods can come with a lot of character and you might find yourself wanting to explore your neighborhood more frequently. The newer developments usually have the latest amenities and also tend to be closer to the city, which comes with it's own upsides and downsides. There are more things to do in the city, but crime can also spill over from the city. Consider how often you enjoy visiting the city and for how long you'd like to drive to get there.
Consider The Walkability Of The Neighborhood
Consider how easy it is to get from place-to-place on foot. There are some neighborhoods in which you are dependent on your car to get to and from most destinations. If you prefer to walk, you will need to look up the neighborhood walkability score and visit the neighborhood to get a sense of the walkability yourself. Highly walkable neighborhoods will have many stores within walking distance, will have access to public transportation and will also come with many sidewalks and trails.
Determine How Good The Schools Are
Even when you do not have kids, you should consider whether the neighborhood has good schools. A neighborhood with a good school district will also have higher property values because more families will want to move to the area. You will have an easier time selling your home when it comes time to do so. Your realtor will not be able to provide you with information regarding school quality, but this information is widely available elsewhere.
Predict The Long-Term Quality Of The Neighborhood
Consider how long you intend to live in a neighborhood and then try to assess the direction that you believe the neighborhood is heading. If there is a lot of growth and job opportunities, your neighborhood might become an even better, though more crowded, place to live. Even if you already have a job and intend to commute or work remotely, neighborhoods with great job prospects tend to have higher property values and lower crime. Contact full service real estate agents for more information.