The importance of exploring your neighbourhood.

When looking for a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement about the house itself. There might be lots to love about it: A great yard, swimming pool, big back deck, or more.  

All of that is clearly important. You will, after all, be spending a lot of time in the space.

Not all your time though. That’s why it is important to also look at the neighbourhood.  

Before making a decision to move, you should get out and explore your neighbourhood. Hopefully, the fit you find is as good as it is with the house itself.  

Here are some things to look for when you explore your neighbourhood.  

Visual appeal

While aesthetics aren't everything, they often reflect the care residents put into their neighborhood. A visually appealing area not only enhances your current living experience but can also be advantageous when selling your home. Great curb appeal makes a positive impression on potential buyers, fostering a sense of homeliness.

Cost of living

Beyond the home's price, assessing a neighborhood's affordability provides insight into its overall standard of living. Calculate the cost of necessities like groceries, transportation, childcare, dining, entertainment, and other expenses to determine if the area aligns with your budget. Understanding the true cost of living helps you make informed decisions about your financial comfort in a particular location.

Community safety

Whether you live alone or with family, feeling secure in your neighborhood is crucial. Utilize online tools or contact local law enforcement to access crime rates for the area. Safety concerns should be thoroughly addressed, ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for your household.

Transportation Accessibility

Evaluate the ease of access to essential facilities such as grocery stores, workplaces, entertainment venues, and malls. Consider your daily routine and assess the neighborhood's connectivity to highways, main roads, public transportation, walkways, and bike routes. Ensuring convenient access aligns with your lifestyle, preventing potential regrets about living in an inconvenient location.

Neighborhood indicators

Scrutinize hidden aspects of a neighborhood that may impact your decision. Red flags could include ongoing construction projects, a rise in foreclosures or vacant lots, poorly maintained yards, abandoned storefronts, or negative reports about local leadership. While these factors may not be deal-breakers, consider their potential impact on your home-buying decision and the neighborhood's future value. Understanding these nuances helps you make an informed choice about your prospective home and its surroundings.

If after exploring your neighbourhood you discover that your love of it matches your love of the home then you have a perfect fit and it’s time to put in that offer.  

Once you're ready to move, give MoveBuddy a follow to make sure you are all set to move into your dream home…AND neighbourhood!