How to Choose the Best Neighborhood for You

6 Critical Factors Choosing the right neighborhood for you and your family is just as important as choosing the right home. After all, while you reside inside your house, you live as part of the community. The six most important factors to consider when selecting your perfect neighborhood are… • Environment • Safety • Transportation • Schools • Economics • Amenities

Environment For your family to be truly happy, the neighborhood has to feel right. Before committing to a home, take a stroll or drive through the neighborhood. Ask yourself these questions and rate how important the answers are for your family’s happiness... • Are homes and yards in

good condition? • Are streets clean and

well kept? • Is it busy or quiet? • Are there mostly families or

singles, young or older? • Are kids playing outside? • Do neighbors smile

and wave?

Safety Nothing is more important than the security and safety of your family, so crime plays a huge role in your neighborhood decision. As you drive through the neighborhood, watch for vandalism, burglar bars on windows and doors and other potential signs of a higher crime rate. You should also ask your local police department about criminal activity and check these online resources... CrimeReports.com Maps out recent criminal activity

NeighborhoodScout.com Provides crime statistics and comparisons

USAonWatch.org Find local neighborhood watch groups

Transportation Even within the same city, some neighborhoods are likely a better match for your family’s transportation needs than others. While some people prefer commuting by car, others enjoy riding bikes. Some families value being within walking distance of stores and restaurants while others are comfortable taking public transportation across town. Look for the following… • How far away are work, school,

church and other regular destinations?

• How heavy is traffic during commute times?

• Is there a bus stop or train station nearby?

• Are there sidewalks and bike lanes?

Schools Whether or not you have children, quality schools play a big role in neighborhood choice. Families with children naturally want access to great public or private schools and daycare. Even if you don’t have children, however, a good school system enhances resale value. Be aware, some areas have unusual zoning patterns. Don’t assume the closest schools are those zoned for the neighborhood. Follow these tips to evaluate local schools… • Drive by schools to get a sense of

how well they are maintained. • Schedule visits with school

principals or counselors. • Visit GreatSchools.org for reviews

and statistics. • Search online for schools’ grades

based on state criteria.

Economics Beyond being a place to raise your family, your home is also an investment. In fact, it’s the biggest investment most people ever make. As such, carefully consider the economic factors of your new neighborhood. Find out how home values are trending in the area. Learn all you can about construction projects, major developments or upcoming legislation that could impact the community. Other considerations… • Homeowners insurance rates • Homeowners association

(HOA) fees • Property tax and utility rates • Home value vs neighborhood

averages • 5-10 year projected value

Amenities Little extras sometimes cause one neighborhood to win out over another. Most people want neighborhoods to be both functional and fun. Community planners, especially in more modern neighborhoods, took that into consideration. Amenities may provide access to activities for the whole family as well as opportunities to get to know and bond with neighbors. Popular amenities include… • Parks and walking trails • Retail and entertainment access • Community swimming pools • Picnic and barbeque areas • Tennis and volleyball courts • Golf courses and putting greens • Clubhouses and meeting spaces

How to Choose the Best Neighborhood for You

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