The three most important things in real estate are location, location, location, as they say. When you're buying a home it's easy to feel the draw towards affordable neighborhoods that often sacrifice walkability and local amenities. While the temptation may be strong the payoff may not be. Living with less house in a neighborhood that fits your family may pay off more in the end, not to mention when it comes time to sell.
Here are 5 things that add value to a neighborhood:
Nearby Restaurants
Even if you don’t eat out much, it’s always nice to have a go-to restaurant nearby for when friends or family come to visit and you want to show off your neighborhood. If you really are a foodie then look for a neighborhood with a thriving food scene so you won’t get bored or frustrated driving all over town.
Here are 5 things that add value to a neighborhood:
Nearby Restaurants
Even if you don’t eat out much, it’s always nice to have a go-to restaurant nearby for when friends or family come to visit and you want to show off your neighborhood. If you really are a foodie then look for a neighborhood with a thriving food scene so you won’t get bored or frustrated driving all over town.
Close Grocery Stores
So you just went grocery shopping but you forgot the eggs. You wouldn’t want to have to drive over 30 minutes back to grocery store to remedy the situation, it’s frustrating enough to go 5 minutes around the corner. Before you buy your house get in your car and explore the area. See how long it will take you to get to the nearest grocery store, what about gas stations and other stores you consider a necessity?
Highly Rated Schools
If you have kids or are planning to have kids this one is important. You need to do your research on the schools in your neighborhood to see if they’re a good fit for you and your kids. That can mean a lot of things to a lot of people so decide for yourself what is important to you.
Walkable Parks
It’s always nice to get out for a stroll and local parks are a ton of fun for kids. Walk around the neighborhood and see what you find. Are there kids out playing? Are people out and about running and walking in the parks? You may not realize until you don’t have it how much a local park impacts your life.
Something Special
Each neighborhood, whether a suburb or an urban neighborhood, as something special about it. Maybe the neighborhood has monthly block parties. If you’re looking for a community this may be a great fit. Maybe there are three coffee shops within walking distance, if you work remote this may just what you need. Don’t be afraid to talk to the neighbors and get a feel for what is special about the neighborhood. You’re not just buying a house, you’re buying a location.
Talk to your agent about what you need from your home, they may know of some neighborhoods you haven’t thought of. Good luck on the search!
So you just went grocery shopping but you forgot the eggs. You wouldn’t want to have to drive over 30 minutes back to grocery store to remedy the situation, it’s frustrating enough to go 5 minutes around the corner. Before you buy your house get in your car and explore the area. See how long it will take you to get to the nearest grocery store, what about gas stations and other stores you consider a necessity?
Highly Rated Schools
If you have kids or are planning to have kids this one is important. You need to do your research on the schools in your neighborhood to see if they’re a good fit for you and your kids. That can mean a lot of things to a lot of people so decide for yourself what is important to you.
Walkable Parks
It’s always nice to get out for a stroll and local parks are a ton of fun for kids. Walk around the neighborhood and see what you find. Are there kids out playing? Are people out and about running and walking in the parks? You may not realize until you don’t have it how much a local park impacts your life.
Something Special
Each neighborhood, whether a suburb or an urban neighborhood, as something special about it. Maybe the neighborhood has monthly block parties. If you’re looking for a community this may be a great fit. Maybe there are three coffee shops within walking distance, if you work remote this may just what you need. Don’t be afraid to talk to the neighbors and get a feel for what is special about the neighborhood. You’re not just buying a house, you’re buying a location.
Talk to your agent about what you need from your home, they may know of some neighborhoods you haven’t thought of. Good luck on the search!