If you’re looking to buy a new home, you may have realized how difficult it can be to choose the right neighborhood for your family. There is so much to consider especially if this is your forever home. What type of environment do you want to experience every day? Most importantly, how do you choose the right neighborhood for your kids to grow up in? Over 63% of millennials have regrets about homeownership, and about 15% regret the location they bought the home in. However, you don’t have to experience the same regret. 

Let’s dive into how you can avoid this and choose the right neighborhood for you.

The Ideal Neighborhood in Your Area

A neighborhood in Vermont is going to look a lot different than in Texas. We often forget that our styles and sensibilities can clash with that of another state. If house styles in every state look different then shouldn’t the neighborhoods? Do you want the same type of cul-de-sac look and feel coming from each house or do you want each home in the neighborhood to feel unique? Finding the right neighborhood is about recognizing a dream for you and your family. It’s the feeling of knowing you are right where you are supposed to be. Remember to shop around and if something doesn’t feel right speak up to your agent. Your real estate agent can help you find the right style for you.

Commute

One of the most overlooked issues, when you are trying to choose the right neighborhood, is your daily commute. Sometimes buyers get overly attached to a house that looks just how they dreamed but they fail to consider the commute they will have to make to work every day. Commute route times vary wildly by state, and buyers should understand how buying a new home will affect that commute. Choose a neighborhood that is convenient to your lifestyle, both with work and leisure. Most importantly, be somewhere you can set down roots that will last generations.

Spend a Full Weekend in the Neighborhood

When you seriously consider buying a particular house, take a weekend and explore the neighborhood. Drive through on the weekend and map out how long it would take to get to some essential places such as hospitals, schools, grocery stores, or family. It is important that you know just how your life would look like in this new space, and how your family can adjust to your better lifestyle. It’s also wise to make a list of the things you would be giving up by moving i.e. walking distance from ice cream parlor, or a lake is nearby. Have a plan when buying a new home and stick to it so you can choose the right neighborhood. That weekend can actually make you fall even more in love with the home, letting you know you have found something to be a part of. 

What’s in Walking Distance?

When you go looking for a neighborhood consider what will be in walking distance from your house. A park would be nice for kids, but also being in walking distance to a school can have incredible benefits for savings. Imagine having a walking trail close by in which you can run or be out in nature. Your neighborhood can become an everyday adventure. When you choose the right neighborhood, you want it to be in an area that best suits your needs. Also, check to see if the area is growing. You may become closer to more spots of interest than you originally thought! 

Tourist Attractions and Loud Noises

A house can look wonderful on the inside or outside, but what about noise? For instance, what if you buy into a neighborhood that’s right beside a waterpark? That can be a problem if you want total peace and quiet. A busy highway that goes right by your neighborhood could keep you up for hours at night. You are not going to be able to move a tourist attraction or highway if you buy into a neighborhood like this. The cost may be cheaper at the time, but you must understand that you will contend with the unwanted noise, traffic, or other issues associated with that cheaper cost. Weigh factors like privacy and noise level when you look to choose the right neighborhood. A perfect home is somewhere you can relax and unwind.

Crime Statics

Before you move into a new neighborhood make sure to look up crime in your area. It’s best to check so you know exactly the type of area you are moving into. It also lets you know how much security you should invest in when you move to the new neighborhood. Being safe and prepared helps you choose the right neighborhood. 

Privacy vs Community

Although not necessarily at odds, privacy and community strength is something you’ll want to know if you want to make an impact in your neighborhood. Before purchasing, you will want to talk to the neighbors about how often people participate in events. Ask questions like: Are there block parties? Are there children in this neighborhood? Is this a tight-knit community I am entering? It will help you get a feel for who else is in the neighborhood and what you should expect from them. How you participate in a community can help you chose the right neighborhood. Neighbors coming together can make your home be part of something bigger.  

When you want to choose the right neighborhood, it can be challenging, but with the right agent, your dream can turn to reality. At Good News Bob Team, we have the experience to help you find the right place. Contact us today for your forever home.