The truth is, there are many things to consider when purchasing a home. From the neighborhood to the schools and even the house itself, you need to take many factors into account to make a decision.
If you’re buying a home for the first time, we’d advise paying attention to certain neighborhood factors. Here are some tips to help you decide.
Check Out the Neighborhood First
Be sure to go beyond just the aesthetics. Take a walk around and see what kind of people live there, how well the streets are maintained, and if there is anything about the area that you don’t like.
Why this is important: These things may impact your stress levels once you start living in your new home. For example, a noisy neighborhood (say, a nearby playschool) may interfere with your work-from-home schedule, and can even be overwhelming for your elderly.
Consider the Commute
You will need to travel to work and other different places. If your home is on the outskirts of the city, you’ll likely struggle with long traveling hours. So, ask yourself this – How long will it take you to get to work, your child’s school, or other places you frequently go?
Why this is important: Traffic congestion and long commutes can lead to a lot of stress. Consider how bad the traffic is during different times of the day and whether any public transportation options can help shorten your commute.
Look into the Schools
Even if you don’t have kids yet, research the schools in the area. You may want to send your kids to public or private schools one day, and it’s helpful to know what’s available ahead of time.
Why this is important: The quality of schools varies greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood. If you’re looking to buy a home in a neighborhood with substandard schools, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment down the line. Consider modesto credit unions to get help with the best home loans for your dream home.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Do you like to go out on walks? How about bike rides? If the answer is yes, then you’ll want a neighborhood that has plenty of sidewalks and trails.
Why this is important: Neighborhoods that are conducive to a healthy lifestyle tend to be more desirable (and expensive). If fitness is important to you, make sure to factor this into your decision.
Weigh the Pros and Cons
Remember to weigh the merits and demerits of each neighborhood before making your decision. For example, one neighborhood may have great schools but be far away from the city center.
Why this is important: You need to be honest with yourself about what’s important to you. If you can’t live without a certain amenity, and the neighborhood doesn’t have it, then it may not be the best place for you.
Drive Around at Different Times of the Day
This will give you a good idea of how bad the traffic is during rush hours and whether any construction could make your commute even longer.
Why this is important: You and your kids may need to take a bike ride near your home. This could be to run errands or meet friends. . Just like checking for commute is important, you don’t want your home to be in the epicenter of heavy traffic.
Find out About the Neighborhood Crime Rate
Be sure to look at the crime rate as well. This will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of safety.
Why this is important: The last thing you want in your new home is cops knocking on your doors every couple of days to inquire about a nearby crime. You may also bump into dangerous people if the place has a high crime rate.
Final Word
From the commute to the schools and everything in between, many factors influence your home buying decision. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make an informed choice about which neighborhood is right for you.
