Finding the right neighbourhood
We always hear the term; Location, Location, Location, however do you know what this means to you? When looking for a new place to call home, you have to remember that it is not just the house you are moving into but also the neighbourhood, and you want to make sure it is the right fit for you and your family.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the location of your new home;
- What do you want to be surrounded by?
It is important to decide what type of setting you feel most comfortable in. For example if having land, privacy and few neighbours is a must then you definitely want to focus your attention away from cities and highly populated areas and perhaps start looking down those country roads just on the outskirts of town.
However if you prefer being close to amenities, schools and neighbours then definitely focus your attention on subdivisions and urban areas.
- Distance to work, family and friends
Another helpful tip is to consider the length of time it will take to get to and from work or school. Nobody wants to be stuck in rush hour traffic everyday. Perhaps before making any decisions, time your drive to and from and decide if it is something you are willing to do for the next couple of years. You may also want to think about the distance in between yourself and family/friends. For many people being close to family is a must, however that is not the case for everyone, so you will need to decide if that is a key factor or not.
- What is in the area?
Always ask your realtor about the area you are considering to call home. You will want to consider the distance to amenities and the demographics of the area, especially if you have children, it may be nice to be located in a neighbourhood with other families and parks nearby. It is always a good idea to explore the area and see what is around before making an important decision.
- Any criminal activity?
Whether you have children or it is just you moving in, do a little research on the area to ensure that you are not moving into the “sketchy” or “questionable” area of town. You want to make sure that where you will be residing is safe. Again this is something your realtor should be able to disclose when searching for the perfect location
