There is a never-ending checklist of things one must remember to keep in mind when it comes to selecting the best neighborhood to live in. In order to make your house hunting a little bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of five things for you to consider when choosing the right neighborhood for your family.
1. Commute
How far are you, and those who will be living with you, willing to drive back and forth to work every day? Five miles? Ten miles? Maybe even twenty or thirty? Will you be driving there, walking, or using the busses or metro? When searching for the right area to live in, it’s important to consider your commute.
2. School District
Do you currently have any children, or are you planning on growing your family sometime soon? There are so many school districts out there and they are important to research. Not only does living in an area with a desirable school district increase your property value, but if there are children in your home, you’ll want to make sure they’re well educated in addition to having amenities such as parks nearby, too.
3. Crime Rate
There are multiple ways you can find the most up-to-date crime statistic of a particular neighborhood of interest. Several real estate websites have current crime data available for their viewers to look into. Or, if that seems a little too complicated, give your local police station a call. They’ll be happy to detail specifics.
4. Your Budget
Figuring out how much you’re able to spend will steer you in the right direction when it comes to figuring out how much house you can afford, and in which neighborhood. Ask yourself questions and compare your options. Use a mortgage calculator and figure out which loan term best suits you. Having an outline and a plan is always helpful when it comes to budgeting.
5. Your Overall Vision of Your Home
You can have any kind of home you’d like – which style do you choose? Does the present neighborhood you’re looking in contain that type of house? Revert back to that outlining tool mentioned above to help you figure out what kind of design and components are important to you. Don’t sacrifice your dream – there are plenty of neighborhoods out there and several different home styles to choose from. Research and learn about the many options you have, you’ll be sure to find the right neighborhood with your favorite one.
