Finding the right home for you and your family is important and choosing the right neighbourhood should be as well. Fear of the unknown is the single most significant obstacle in choosing a neighbourhood for your home, and it shouldn't be. There are several guidelines in which to follow and many things to consider when choosing the right neighbourhood.
Visit the community. Not only should the community in which the prospective home be visited during the day, but at night as well. Is it well-lit? Are neighbours active in the community at night, grilling and barbecuing or are they quiet and reserved? Are there children playing in the street? A neighbourhood can be completely different at night; it could be sketchy and less appealing or exactly how it was during the daylight hours.
Research the resale values in the community and the potential resale value of the prospective home. Finding a neighbourhood that will be more desirable and in high demand over the next few years requires looking into a crystal ball so to speak, but is essential before investing in a home. Questions in which to ask yourself are - Are there activities and amenities within the community? Are there many pending home sales or listings in the community? Do most children in the neighbourhood attend private schools or public schools? Are there plans to expand and improve local schools? Is there a growing business district or plans to revitalize the area? Are projects to enhance the neighbourhood in the works? All these questions will help to assess the potential resale value of the home, maximizing your investment.
Older versus newer. Newer neighborhoods offer more of a sense of community that older ones and older or more historical communities exude charm, but may not be as practical or economical for your family.
Location is everything. Do you want to live in a community that is within walking distance to beaches, parks, culture and shopping? How far are you willing to commute to work?
Remember your first impression. What did you and your family first notice about the community? Were the houses and landscaping well-maintained, did the homes and streets have curb appeal?
Your vision. Write your vision of the best neighbourhood in which you can see living in. Then when visiting communities, keep your vision of the perfect neighbourhood and keeping in mind that they should match your criteria and tastes.
By following these suggestions, you can make the best choice to move into the perfect community one that will meet your family's lifestyle and needs while making a sound investment for your future.
Based on the article by Timothy J Ryan
