Real estate is all about location. Neighborhoods are often a deal breaker when you’re searching for a home. However, sometimes we get so excited about a home we forget to take the neighborhood into consideration.
Here are 5 aspects of neighborhoods consider while searching for your home:
Here are 5 aspects of neighborhoods consider while searching for your home:
Commute
You need to decide how important it is for you to be close to the office. Once you have an idea of how much time you’re willing to commuting each day, take a morning to do a practice commute. Get to your potential neighborhood at the time you would normally be leaving and head to the office from there. Try the same test on public transportation. Find the closest bus stop/light rail to the neighborhood you are considering and head to the office!
Walkability
Are you hoping to be able to walk to a nearby restaurant for a quick dinner? Are your kids used to being able to walk to school? Walkability is something to take into consideration when looking for a new house. Spend an afternoon or two walking and exploring the neighborhood. Sure there is a lot of information online, but it’s always best to see it in person to get a real feel for your area.
Convenient Amenities
We’re guessing you don’t want to spend 20 minutes driving to the grocery store, the gym, or soccer practice. Take some time to locate the closest amenities to the neighborhood or house you are interested in. Know how far you are willing to go for things you need and make this a part of your final decision. Also, talk to your agent to see if they know of any upcoming developments in newer neighborhoods. If there isn’t currently a nearby grocery store there may be plans to build one soon.
Schools
If you already have kids or are planning on having kids in the near future, buying in a neighborhood with quality schools is probably important. While Colorado allows you to open-enroll in other schools and districts, it’s usually easiest to have a school nearby. Take a look at sites such as ColoradoSchoolGrades.com to learn about the schools in your area.
Safety
It’s important for you and your family to feel safe in your new home. There are several online resources to help you decide the safety of an area. Check a crime mapping service and the National Sex Offender Public Website to start. There’s only so much you can learn from the Internet, so if you have more questions head over to the neighborhood and talk to some potential neighbors. Ask if they would recommend this neighborhood to friends and family. Your real estate agent is also an excellent resource.
Have fun exploring neighborhoods and finding the right fit for you!
You need to decide how important it is for you to be close to the office. Once you have an idea of how much time you’re willing to commuting each day, take a morning to do a practice commute. Get to your potential neighborhood at the time you would normally be leaving and head to the office from there. Try the same test on public transportation. Find the closest bus stop/light rail to the neighborhood you are considering and head to the office!
Walkability
Are you hoping to be able to walk to a nearby restaurant for a quick dinner? Are your kids used to being able to walk to school? Walkability is something to take into consideration when looking for a new house. Spend an afternoon or two walking and exploring the neighborhood. Sure there is a lot of information online, but it’s always best to see it in person to get a real feel for your area.
Convenient Amenities
We’re guessing you don’t want to spend 20 minutes driving to the grocery store, the gym, or soccer practice. Take some time to locate the closest amenities to the neighborhood or house you are interested in. Know how far you are willing to go for things you need and make this a part of your final decision. Also, talk to your agent to see if they know of any upcoming developments in newer neighborhoods. If there isn’t currently a nearby grocery store there may be plans to build one soon.
Schools
If you already have kids or are planning on having kids in the near future, buying in a neighborhood with quality schools is probably important. While Colorado allows you to open-enroll in other schools and districts, it’s usually easiest to have a school nearby. Take a look at sites such as ColoradoSchoolGrades.com to learn about the schools in your area.
Safety
It’s important for you and your family to feel safe in your new home. There are several online resources to help you decide the safety of an area. Check a crime mapping service and the National Sex Offender Public Website to start. There’s only so much you can learn from the Internet, so if you have more questions head over to the neighborhood and talk to some potential neighbors. Ask if they would recommend this neighborhood to friends and family. Your real estate agent is also an excellent resource.
Have fun exploring neighborhoods and finding the right fit for you!