Everyone talks about their dream home—but what about a dream neighborhood?
For some people, it’s all about peace and quiet. Others want block parties and impromptu garage hangouts, while families with young children might be hoping for a tight-knit group of neighborhood kids.
Whether you’re dreaming of settling into your own private retreat or joining a lively network of neighbors, it’s important to do your research on the area before you even begin your home search. It would be a shame to fall in love with a house only to realize the neighborhood is all wrong for you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when scoping out a potential new community.
1. Do a Safety Check
Neighborhood safety is an important factor no matter where you live. Check out crime statistics, find out if there’s a neighborhood watch, and drive through at night to gauge the quality of the street lighting.
What do the other houses in the neighborhood look like? Are the homes and yards neat and well maintained, or does it look like the HOA gave up years ago? For that matter, is there an HOA? (Don’t worry, that’s not necessarily a deal breaker.) Property value can fluctuate based on a home’s surroundings, so you don’t want your home to be a rose in a bed of thorns.
For some people, it’s all about peace and quiet. Others want block parties and impromptu garage hangouts, while families with young children might be hoping for a tight-knit group of neighborhood kids.
Whether you’re dreaming of settling into your own private retreat or joining a lively network of neighbors, it’s important to do your research on the area before you even begin your home search. It would be a shame to fall in love with a house only to realize the neighborhood is all wrong for you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when scoping out a potential new community.