Homebuyers need to think about more than the property when shortlisting prospective homes. The neighborhood can make all the difference to your quality of life and your experience living in your new home. Check out this quick list of important factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood to buy a house.
8 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Neighborhood to Buy a House
#1 Commute to Work
No one wants to spend hours in the car on the way to the office. When looking at buying a home it’s a good idea to check Google Maps and look at the routes from your new neighborhood to the office. Is there a back route you can use, or will you be forced into bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours?
#2 School District
Parents have to consider the local school district and the quality of education their kids receive. Finding a good school district is critical to your child’s educational development and progress.
Use these criteria to assess whether a school district is good or not.
Test scores and data.
- Programming
- Extracurricular activities
- Sports programs
- PTO – Parent Teacher Organization or Association (PTO/PTA)
#3 Cost of Living
The cost of living is rising across America. Inflation is rampant in 2023. Despite the government’s claims of the official figures coming down, a trip to the grocery store or gas pump can put that theory in check.
Consider the interest rate environment and the economy at the moment. Mortgage rates hit a 20-year high of seven percent in Q3 2023, affecting home prices and repayments, closing in on your budget.
#4 Safety & Noise Levels
Everyone wants to know their kids are safe on the streets and they can walk alone at night without fearing becoming a victim. Check your area’s local crime stats and the types of crimes committed in your area. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the area have a neighborhood watch?
- Is there adequate street lighting?
- Where is the nearest police station, or is a private security firm operating in the area?
- If there’s a fire, how far away is the local fire department?
- Are your neighbors noisy or rowdy?
- Have previous tenants or other neighbors experienced problems with them?
#5 Public Transport Services
Check the local networks if you don’t have a car or want to take public transport to reduce your carbon footprint. Is there a robust bus route to visit everywhere you need to go, like the grocery store and your office? Options like light rail or metro transit buses can be a game-changer for any neighborhood and your commute.
#6 Outdoors Spaces & Parks
Are there any parks close by? Do the kids have natural areas to visit on the weekends? Locations with nearby trails and parks make ideal places to unwind on the weekend, and community events usually happen occasionally at these spots.
What amenities do the local parks have for the kids? Are there ablution facilities? Do the parks look well-managed, or are they decaying and possible sites for homeless camps and open-air drug markets? Look for signs of graffiti on walls as an indication of lawlessness around.
#7 Entertainment
Do you enjoy going out on the weekend to let off some steam? What entertainment locations are nearby? Check out the clubs, bars, theaters, and venues around the local area.
Entertainment centers should be close by, but far away enough so you don’t have to deal with the noise around these locations.
#8 Restaurants & Shopping
Where do you like to shop for groceries? Is there a location nearby? Medication, food, and beverages are the necessities of life, and they need to be readily available from nearby locations. Minimize the distance you must travel to get essentials, and you’ll save on your budget. Look for nearby malls and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal out.
Remember, location, location, location. Don’t waste your time and money searching for houses in areas that don’t fit your lifestyle and needs. Consider all of the key factors listed above and to help you find the home of your dreams.
Graves Development Resources | Land Developer in Omaha, Nebraska
Graves Development Resources (GDR) has been designing and building the market’s finest neighborhoods since 2000, with over 5,000 homesites and important commercial development projects throughout Douglas and Sarpy Counties.
Our pages showcase current neighborhoods where new home buyers may select from hundreds of home sites. We are definitely “phone friendly” and welcome the opportunity to provide you with all the information you need before making one of the most important decisions for your family’s future. Contact us with any questions.