There’s a lot that goes into buying a property, and it’s easy to put all the focus on finding the ideal home. When it comes to buying a home, though, location is perhaps the most significant issue to consider. You can’t change the location, regardless of how much you enjoy the house itself. While there are often little things we can overlook when choosing a home, our location impacts our daily lives. Here are some factors to consider when picking your perfect neighbourhood.
Picking your perfect neighbourhood
1. Neighbourhood safety
The safety of a neighbourhood is a very important factor when looking to buy a house, especially if you have children. Here are some things you can look into to help you get a better sense of whether or not a neighbourhood feels safe:
Crime statistics
Every area will have some criminal activity from time to time. Therefore, don’t be overly discouraged if you can’t find a completely crime-free area. However, if you contact local law enforcement and notice a high level of activity, it may be a red flag
Street lighting
Spending time in a neighbourhood you’re looking at is a good idea. Make time to visit the neighbourhood at different times of the day. While in the area at night, take note of the street lighting. A sufficient amount of street lighting can make a place feel safer.
Talk to neighbours
Consider introducing yourself to the neighbours by telling them you may be interested in moving to the neighbourhood. Residents can give you a sense of the neighbourhood and tell you whether or not they feel the area is safe.
2. Local businesses and shopping
Restaurants, grocery stores and entertainment are usually top of the list when people are looking to see what’s accessible in an area. This doesn’t necessarily mean these amenities need to be steps away. It may mean you want them within a short driving distance. In which case, you’ll want to know how long it takes to get to these places and what sort of hours they’re open so you can plan accordingly.
3. Schools
Do you currently have children or plan on starting a family down the road? Sending them to a good school should be one of your top priorities as a parent. While looking at houses, you will also want to do your research on local school districts. Take time to visit the area schools in person, get a good first impression of the faculty, and learn about any extra-curricular activities that are offered.
4. Hospitals
Being prepared for a medical emergency is crucial, and it always helps to be within a close distance to an emergency room, urgent care facility or hospital. If an accident were to occur, you can get the expert medical help you need sooner rather than later.
5. Public transportation
Where you work in relation to where you live is an important factor to consider, especially if your goal is to have a short commute. Whether you have a car or rely on commuting, access to public transportation can make a neighbourhood attractive. This is particularly important if you or your family need to travel for work or school daily. See what commuting options are available within the neighbourhood. Moreover, figure out how long it might take you to get where you need to go.
