Taking the decision to move home can be extremely daunting, particularly if you are moving to an area that you don’t know very well. There are a few things that will probably shoot to the top of your list in terms of priorities. You will want it to be safe so that you don’t have to worry about your kids so much. You will want to have good access to local schools. You may want to be in an area where lots of other young families live. It is worth writing out a list of priorities so you can determine what is most important to you. If you need a helping hand, here are a few factors you may want to consider before choosing a neighbourhood to move to.
Work Out What is Important to You
What makes a great neighbourhood for one family may make it an absolute nightmare for another! It is all about your own priorities and what is most important to you. You may prefer a quiet, secluded spot or one that is a little more lively. You may want to have amenities within walking distance or be close to trees and parks. You may prefer a neighbourhood where everyone knows each other or one that gives you a little more anonymity.
Find Out Details About Crime
As we have already talked about, finding out about the safety of an area is on everyone’s minds when they are moving to a new neighbourhood. Check out the crime rates online or contact the local police department to give you some more information. A drive around the area can also give you a better impression of its safety, so be on the lookout for any signs of vandalism. Also watch out for any bars on the windows, ‘Beware of the Dog’ signs or other indicators that the area is at risk of burglaries.
Take a Walk Around the Area
It is worth walking around the neighbourhood at least a couple of times to get a better impression what it is like. Take notice of the condition of the houses and the streets in general. Try to spark of conversations with any potential neighbours if possible. Check out how much traffic passes by and how noisy the area is in general. If you are going to take multiple trips to the neighbourhood, try walking around at different times during the day to see how this affects the general atmosphere. Are there many other properties or patches of land for sale? If places are being snapped up quickly, this gives you a good indication that the area is up-and-coming.
Check Out the Transportation Links
If you don’t have a car and need public transport to get around, it is worth checking out what sort of transportation links are available in the local area. If you need to commute to work from home, it is also worth checking out how long this is likely to take you. Whether you are going to be driving with or against the traffic will make a big difference. When the time comes that you want to go on family holidays, think about where your nearest airport is located.
Take a Closer Look at the Local Schools
After the safety of the neighbourhood, the state of the local schools will probably be next on your list of priorities. It is worth checking out whether they are in walking distance or if your kids will need to take a bus to get there. If you have your heart set on a particular school, finding a property in the local area will be a key consideration of yours. But make sure that you don’t let it cloud your judgement totally so you don’t think about all the other factors involved in choosing a neighbourhood to live.
Check Out the Value of the Housing
As well as the value of the property you are looking at buying, it is worth checking out what some of the other properties are being valued at. You can get in contact with local estate agents to check out how the average value has changed in the last 5 or 10 years. If it has increased rapidly, you will get a better idea of how desirable the area has been. You can also find out from the estate agent if they know of any developments planned in the future which could affect you. Future developments can have numerous impacts including increasing traffic and taxes. On the other hand, a retail development could end up making your life better.
Find Out About the Taxes
When you are buying a home, the costings go way beyond the bottom line figure. You also need to think about what the taxes are like in that particular area. Again, it is a good idea to question the estate agent, as well as finding out if there are any increases planned in the next few years. Before buying a house, you should have a moving budget and factor any taxes into it.
Visit Some of the Local Amenities
First of all, find out how close your local supermarket is as you are likely to be making quite a few trips there! It is also a major plus point if there is a convenience store in the local area so you can easily pop in for a loaf of bread. If there is a good park within walking distance, this may also have a positive impact on your decision. Other amenities like cafes and restaurants may also play a part in your choice.
These are just a few of the factors that you should think about when choosing an area to live. Remember, a dream house is not a dream house without being in the right location. Your entire life will revolve around where you decide to live so it is worth taking your time to make sure that you are 100 percent confident you have made the right decision.
*please note that this is a collaborative post
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