Whether buying your first home or moving from your current one, you are probably both stressed and excited. Taking time to plan is certain to ease some of that nervousness. You likely know the general area where you want to live. However, researching the area will help you find the exact part of the city you prefer to move to.
If you’re unsure what to look for in your future neighborhood, consider these factors when seeking your new home.
1. Parks and Walking Spaces
Having walking areas and parks nearby allows you to spend precious time outdoors. Whether walking your dog on the sidewalks or taking the kids to the playground, you’ll want to remain near home.
Drive around the locale and take note of sidewalks. Are they in good condition? Are they free from weeds and cracks? Well-maintained sidewalks make the neighborhood more accessible for disabled individuals. They also allow you to walk or jog without worrying about twisting an ankle.
A nearby park is an ideal place to take the kids after school. Walking trails and commercial playground sets provide plenty of entertainment and allow kids to burn off extra energy. Slides, swings, and other playground equipment offer a fun alternative to video games. Notice whether other families are using the park. A busy outdoor area is great for the whole family to make new acquaintances who could become lifelong friends.
If a dog is part of your family, a dog park is another amenity that may interest you. A friendly dog park is the place to be if you enjoy getting out with your pet and meeting new people. These spaces allow dogs to fetch, catch frisbees, and run freely.
2. Schools
Whether you have children now or plan to in the future, you’ll want to look into the local school system. Check the school’s state test scores to find out how the school is performing compared to others in the state.
You can also make an appointment with school officials to talk about programming. Do they have special needs support? The school should have proper accommodations that meet the needs of these students. Do they offer programs allowing advanced students to excel? Determine whether the district provides advanced placement, honors courses, or college-credit classes for students learning above their grade level.
Find out if the school serves breakfast in the morning before classes. They may also offer after-school programs for children between when school lets out and when the workday ends. These programs are helpful if your children are still young and need supervision. You can drop your child off at school for breakfast on your way to work. And when your workday is over, pick them up from the after-school program on your way home.
You should also learn about extracurricular activities and sports programs. If they enjoy writing, joining the school newspaper or poetry club might interest them. Your child may want to star in the school play, or perhaps the chess club is more their style. What athletic teams does the school offer and are they competitive? It’s important to check into these details, especially if your kids are interested in playing sports.
3. Neighborhood Safety
Safety is of utmost importance when buying a home. You can look up crime statistics online, at the city’s website, or at the local police station. Ask for a yearly crime report, as burglaries vary with the seasons. Summer months draw more people outdoors and into neighborhoods for events and activities. In winter, the cold and snow keep many people indoors which may lead to lower crime.
A neighborhood watch group helps keep crime to a minimum. Families in the area look out for shady individuals and suspicious vehicles and report them to the local authorities. The modern-day concept of neighborhood watches began in the late 1960s. However, the idea started in the early days of America when a night watchman patrolled the streets. Street signs often designate a neighborhood watch area, or you can ask law enforcement or a resident if one exists.
Take note of the safety measures being used in the area. Homes may have video doorbells, automatic outdoor lighting, or signs in their yard indicating alarm systems. A neighborhood with pet dogs can provide added safety. Dogs tend to notice suspicious individuals before humans do. The streets should be adequately lit to prevent criminals from sneaking up to residences.
You might talk to a neighbor or two to find out if they feel safe. It’s unnecessary to go door to door, just stop someone on the sidewalk, at their mailbox, or exiting their car. Ask them about crime in the area and whether they feel safe in this neighborhood. Let them know you’re considering buying a home in the area. They will likely be happy to share their thoughts with you.
Your Next Neighborhood
Buying a house is a major decision. Make sure to consider all of your wants and needs and ensure that your selection aligns with those choices. It’s conceivable that you could be living in this neighborhood for the rest of your life. Is there shopping and other amenities nearby? Are the neighbors friendly and will your children have a place to play and meet friends?
Finding the perfect neighborhood is possible if you take the time to do your research. You can look forward to walking your dog on brightly lit sidewalks or jogging the trails in the nearby park. Locating the best neighborhood goes hand-in-hand with finding your dream house. Welcome home!
