Choosing the right neighborhood is one of your biggest decisions when buying a home. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to research a potential neighborhood. This includes checking out a neighborhood’s safety, access to amenities and transportation options, and shopping opportunities. It can also help determine if you can afford a particular house.
Safety
If you’re buying a home, choosing a safe area for your family is a good idea. This will keep your loved ones safe and help you resell your house if you ever want to move. The first step in determining the safety of a neighborhood is to research its crime statistics. You can do this using a search engine or asking for local police reports. This should give you an idea of the neighborhood’s safety, though it’s important to note that crime can occur anywhere. For example, one study found that petty crimes, such as rifling through unlocked cars at night, are more likely to occur in neighborhoods with high property crime rates than in areas with low violent crime rates.
Another good way to gauge the safety of a neighborhood is to talk to people who live there. If you see someone walking their dog, mowing the lawn, or grabbing their mail, introduce yourself and ask if they feel comfortable living there. It is also a good idea to consult experts like Your Home Wichita to help you assess the safety of a neighborhood.
Amenities
The amenities that are offered in a neighborhood can have an impact on the value of your home. These range from swimming pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, and public parks to shopping, restaurants, and cafes.
Americans living in amenity-rich neighborhoods have higher satisfaction with their community, social trust, and fewer feelings of loneliness. They also report more interest in community happenings and safe walking around their neighborhood at night, regardless of whether they live in large cities, suburbs, or small towns. Amenities can also benefit homeowners’ associations (HOAs), often charging monthly dues for common areas like clubhouses, pools, and tennis courts. They can also help attract current residents and prospective tenants.
Transportation
Many people look for a neighborhood that has easy access to transportation options. This is important if you have a job or kids in school. Consider how long you’re willing to drive a certain distance or how much time you plan to spend on the commute each day. Another critical factor is how close the neighborhood is to places you’ll regularly visit, such as schools and grocery stores. Living within walking distance of these locations can ease your life significantly. Having a variety of transportation choices and walkable neighborhoods is essential for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air quality. Developing compactly and investing in transit and other options lowers greenhouse gas emissions from cars, SUVs, trucks, and light-duty vehicles.
Shopping & School Options
Whether you need to stock up on groceries, medications, or toiletries, you’ll want to find an area with stores and shopping centers nearby. This will make it easier to get all necessary purchases at a time that works for you.
Another consideration for homebuyers with children is school options. Look at the area’s elementary and high schools to determine what’s available for your kids. Also, look at the school district’s website to see if any special programs are available for your child. Then, check out their rankings and performance metrics, like graduation rates.
