Starting Over in a New Neighborhood– 9 Important Factors to Consider
Sharon Monticello
Sharon Monticello is native to one of California's most picturesque areas— Petaluma, nestled in the heart of wine country, has been home to Sharon's...
Sharon Monticello is native to one of California's most picturesque areas— Petaluma, nestled in the heart of wine country, has been home to Sharon's...
Ah, yes. The art of moving into a new home. Although finding a new place to live is always deemed stressful and too much to handle, it’s a symbolic transition to a different and (hopefully) better way of living, especially if you relocate to a completely different state or area.
While some say that choosing your next neighborhood is most often a “hit or miss” situation, the reality is that it’s NOT. Of course, that’s IF you know what you should be looking for in a new community! So if you’re starting over in a new neighborhood, whether you’re alone or with a family in tow, here are nine important factors to consider.
Low or Less Noise
Most homeowners tend to overlook noise as a consideration when choosing a new neighborhood, especially if they only visit during a specific time, like early morning. Give your new area a visit at different times of the day and get a better picture of your future living conditions. Pause for a moment and listen intently while touring your potential home– can you hear nearby trains or the honking cars on the street? If you can, weigh whether you’re willing to put up with those sounds every day.
Education
Even if you don’t have kids (yet!), it’s vital to look into the quality of your future district’s education system. Who knows? It may come in handy when you eventually decide to start a family. Side note: good school districts also have a major impact on real estate values, so it’s always a big plus!
Retail Necessities
What do you buy regularly? Do you like to buy your coffee every morning before going to work? Do you prefer picking up necessities like milk and vegetables at a nearby shop twice or thrice a week? Be aware of your retail needs and check what your new neighborhood offers.
Security and Comfort
It’s essential for every homeowner to feel safe wandering around their neighborhood. Check the crime stats in the area to get an overall picture of your new community. A safe and secure homeowner is a happy one, so this tip should be a priority.
Emergency Services
How far is your home from a hospital or fire department? It’s good to be aware of these things before the need or emergency strikes. In some suburbs, the nearest hospital or police station can be surprisingly far away, so consider that before relocating.
Walkability
Is your neighborhood pedestrian-friendly, or are you dodging cars and being blocked by highways every ten steps? A neighborhood’s walkability has been linked to higher home values. So, if you like walking around comfortably in your community, it should be one of your considerations.
Easy Transport
Be sure to pay attention to what the traffic is like around your area, especially during rush hour. Assess how long it would take you to get to the office on an average day. Accessible public transportation is also a vital factor to consider. Remember, the longer a person has to commute, the less happy they are.
Amenities
If you’re the type who loves to hang out in parks, farmers’ markets, community centers, theaters, or coffee shops after work or when you’re not inside your home, it’s but another consideration when choosing a neighborhood to move to. These are places where you can not only get out of the house and entertain yourself, but they’re great places to make neighborhood friends if you’re looking to branch out.
Conducive to Daily Exercise
Most people feel lazy going through a daily workout if they have to drive at least 15 minutes to do so. If you tend to do the same, choose a neighborhood that allows you to have a conducive area for a run or a bike ride– or has a gym a block away. Even if the gym isn’t your scene, see if there are any tennis or basketball courts where you could get in a quick game.
