The first step is research, make a list of the things that you want and the things that you do not want in your neighborhood. Do you want a close-knit community? Trees? Parks? Figure out a few good options, make some visits, and look around to see if it’s somewhere you could see yourself living for the next 5-10 years.
Once you’ve found a prospective neighborhood, be on the lookout for people making improvements to other homes in the area. This is a good sign that the people in the neighborhood care about their properties and the value of those properties. Seeing people out and about in a neighborhood is also a good sign that they feel safe in the area. The next thing to look at in a neighborhood is the crime rates; you can normally find these on the website for the local police department or newspaper.
Check out the local schools and community buildings; you can look up test scores from the school and check out some general ratings for the neighborhoods you’re considering. Some other factors to consider are city services, police and fire departments, and how far you will have to commute and/or if there is access to public transportation.
Finding the perfect neighborhood depends on what is perfect for you and your situation. If you look out for some of the signs above, you can find a place that’s just right.
Sources:
Money Talks News. 20 Tips for Buying a Home in the Best Location, Location, Location. Online. Website URL: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/20-clues-youre-buying-home-the-right-neighborhood/. Accessed August 27, 2018.
The Washington Post. Location, location, location: Picking the right neighborhood when searching for a home. Online. Website URL: https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/beyond-wants-and-needs-flexibility-is-key-for-first-time-home-buyers/2018/01/29/8a496516-d5ec-11e7-b62d-d9345ced896d_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.3fc2c8c8c0bf. Accessed August 27, 2018.
HGTV. How to Choose a Neighborhood. Online. Website URL: https://www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/how-to-choose-a-neighborhood. Accessed August 27, 2018.
