Choosing the
Right Neighborhood by Jonathan Lammers
To find the right neighborhood, focus on areas
that meet your needs, budget and personal taste.
You should also spend time talking with your real
estate agent and researching different neighborhoods
before making a final decision.
Qualities of a Good Neighborhood
| Summary Points |
| 1. |
Good neighborhoods share many traits in
common, including convenient
access to employment,
shopping, transit and
schools.
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| 2. |
Work with your real estate agent to identify
areas that meet your personal
needs and budget, and
then follow up by visiting
the neighborhood and talking
with residents.
|
| 3. |
Don't write off areas that may be in the
process of improving.
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| 4. |
In new developments, research the zoning
for nearby areas.
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Whether it's a tree-lined street of historic homes
or a new golf course community in the suburbs,
good neighborhoods often share common traits such
as access to employment, shopping, transportation
and good schools. Other important factors include
things like parks, low crime and evidence that
residents take pride in their area. Quality neighborhoods
have residents that are interested in improving
both their neighborhood and community.
How do I Find
the Right Neighborhood for Me?
Your ideal neighborhood should be a place where
you feel at home and that makes your daily life
easier to manage. But how do you find the right
place--especially if you're relocating from out
of town? A great place to start is with your real
estate agent, who can help you identify areas
that fit your needs, while also providing advice
about schools, community services and property
taxes. If you don't have an agent, try using the
"Find an Agent" feature of this website. Agents
who advertise in Homes & Land Magazine are
great resources for information about their communities.
Get to Know the Neighbors
One of the best ways to research a neighborhood
is by simply walking down the street and introducing
yourself to residents. Ask them what they like
best about the area, and if there are any problems
you might not be aware of. Do they have a neighborhood
association? Is there a strong sense of community?
Are homes holding their value?
You should also visit prospective neighborhoods
at various times of day. Some areas may not feel
as safe at night, or you may find that your quiet
neighborhood turns into a speedway during the
weekday rush hour commute.
| Important Neighborhood Considerations
|
- Convenience to employment,
shopping and entertainment
- Adequate police
and fire protection,
with good access to
hospital and medical
facilities
- Active neighborhood
association and/or
neighborhood watch
program.
- Pride of ownership,
with well-maintained
properties. In transitional
areas, look for evidence
of people renovating
properties and new
businesses opening
up.
- Reasonable traffic
patterns, or access
to mass transit. Be
wary of areas that
are heavily used by
cut-through traffic.
- Quality schools
and availability of
daycare
- Parks, bike trails
and other recreational
facilities.
- Steadily appreciating
property values
- More homeowners
than renters
- For new developments,
complimentary zoning
of nearby areas.
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Transitional Areas
With today's renewed interest in urban revitalization,
many areas that were once run down are being transformed
into vibrant and fashionable neighborhoods. But
because these areas may still have pockets of
blight, they are often referred to as "transitional"
neighborhoods. As a potential homebuyer in a transitional
area, you should carefully evaluate the neighborhood
by talking with your real estate agent about important
factors such as infrastructure improvements, property
values and safety issues. Positive evidence of
revitalization includes homes being painted, landscaping
improvements, and signs that businesses are relocating
to the area.
What if I'm Interested in a
New Subdivision?
Because they haven't had time to fully mature,
new developments are often a bit more difficult
to research than established neighborhoods. Nevertheless,
many of the same factors (e.g. employment, transit,
schools) that apply to traditional neighborhoods
are just as important in newly developed areas.
You should also pay special attention to the zoning
and transportation planning for any undeveloped
areas nearby. After all, you don't want your peaceful
home in the suburbs to later end up next door
to the parking lot for a new shopping center.
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