Home is where the heart is, and before you begin to source for your dream house, researching about your dream neighborhood is important. Not only does choosing the right neighborhood help to ensure that your heart is happy and comfortable, but it also helps with future re-sale and an increase in the value of your home over time. 

From a neighborhood with low crime rates to a good school district, there are many variables to consider when searching for that perfect place to live in. To help you make this informed decision, here are a few important factors that would help you find a home that suits the needs of you and your family. These factors are broken down into two main groups: the essentials and the extras. 

The Essentials

1. Cost 

Living comfortably and within your means should be your top priority when choosing a neighborhood. Choose a neighborhood with housing that falls within your budget. It is futile to tour a gated community with a golf course or country club that is out of your budget. Affordability includes more than just housing expenses; utility bills, taxes, and prices for essential and necessary goods such as groceries will vary significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood.

2. Access to essential services

From grocery stores to pharmacies to banks, these are the few essential places you should consider when choosing your ideal neighborhood. Is there a nearby grocery store that you can afford? Is there a pharmacy that can offer you a range of healthcare services and aid in filling prescriptions? Are there bank branches and ATM machines that you can access at your convenience? 

3. Transport

Be it the distance to your workplace or other places, the length of time it takes to get from place to place is another factor that you might want to include when deciding which neighborhood to live in. It would also be good to consider parking and whether it is affordable, or public transportation options if you do not drive.

4. Education

For families with children, one of the main concerns would be living in a good school district. The importance of a good education cannot be emphasized enough as it prepares your children to better handle the rest of their lives. Even if you are not a parent, selecting a home in a good school district would be beneficial for your home in the future as there is a higher likelihood of home appreciation.

5. Crime rates

The safety and stability of a neighborhood is another factor that you should consider when choosing a neighborhood. Talk to police officers in the area or search for crime statistics online if you are worried about the law and order of your preferred neighborhood. Understanding the crime rates and statistics can narrow down your choices and help you better decide on your target neighborhood.

6. LGBT-Friendly Neighborhoods

If you are part of the LGBT community, then you’ll definitely want to live in a neighborhood where people won’t discriminate against you. If you’re out and looking for a partner or just want to live in a place where you can be yourself, check if there are LGBT-friendly communities around the area. For the best results, Find a Top Rated Gay Realtor in Your City. 

The Extras

1. Parks and gyms

Having a park within walking distance from your home can greatly improve your quality of life. Not only do they clean the air, but they are also spaces where people in the community can gather and socialize, exercise, or play games. If you prefer working out in standalone gyms or yoga studios, make sure the neighborhood you are choosing offer such options at an affordable price.

2. Farmers’ markets

Farmers’ markets are a hit in many neighborhoods. Not only are they a great place to get homegrown and organic produce or even free food samples, but they are also a bustling ground where you can meet your neighbors and discover more opportunities to volunteer together for your community.

3. Friends and family

Another factor that you might consider while choosing a home is its proximity to friends and family. This is important especially if you have elderly parents or relatives to care for, or if you are a working adult who requires assistance to look after your young children or newborns. 

4. Entertainment venues

If you’re a foodie, movie junkie, or someone who loves to drink or hang out at bars with friends, you may want to consider a place with such options. Are there restaurants, bars, movie theaters, or even music venues in your neighborhood which you can access easily?

5. Shopping

Not forgetting the shopaholics, having a variety of shopping malls in your neighborhood will be a great advantage for you as it can help you save traveling time. If you need a breather, having a shopping mall nearby that you can easily access can also help you reduce your stress levels. 

6.  Libraries

Libraries are neighborhood hubs that not only provide internet access and free access to resources such as books, magazines, newspapers, and CDs, they are also a safe space for community members. Most libraries also offer programs such as lectures and movie nights free of charge.

7. Cultural attractions

If you enjoy watching plays, musicals, concerts, visiting museums, or art exhibitions, then choosing a neighborhood that has many cultural offerings would be ideal. 

8. Houses of worship

If you need to attend places of worship or enjoy gathering with like-minded people with the same religious beliefs and interests as you, consider selecting a place with a church, mosque, or synagogue within close proximity to your house. 

9. Community engagement

Do you prefer a close-knit community or one where neighbors do not know one another? If you are looking for a sense of belonging, consider spending some time in your target neighborhood to have a sense of the vibes to see whether it suits you.

It is no small feat to find the perfect neighborhood and it takes time, but you can find out more by talking to the longtime residents as they are in the best position to share everything about the neighborhood. If you are moving in with a partner, consult him or her and ensure that both of you are on the same page about the ideal neighborhood. 

It would also help if you conduct some prior research about your preferred neighborhood and check for risks from flood or fire. Your risk from natural disasters will influence the premiums for your home insurance, so do keep that in mind. Take your time to select your ideal neighborhood, and enjoy the search in the meantime! 

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