Location Matters: How to Choose Which Area of the City to Move To
Once you’ve been settled in a city for a time, you’ll find that different neighborhoods offer different amenities. If your lease is close to complete or if you’re interested in buying another home, finding the right neighborhood can do wonders for your happiness.
Culture
When deciding on a new region of the city, keep the culture you prefer in mind. If you’re keen on living in a walkable neighborhood, be aware that parking may be a challenge. For those who love having a yard, you may need to drive for your errands. Be honest about how much neighborly connection you want and plan your new home choice accordingly. Every kind of culture and house works for someone.
Job
The closer you live to your job, the less of a commute you’ll face. If you live far from your job, it’s unlikely that you’ll get called in if someone calls in sick or if something unexpected comes up. However, a tough commute will be tough every day. If your city offers quality public transportation, study bus and train routes to make sure that you’re choosing a home that will make getting to work manageable.
Schools
If you have school age children, carefully study your neighborhood school maps. Unless you plan to put your child in a charter or private school. Once you find a neighborhood you like, check out the local schools. Visit the school websites and consider the seniority of the teachers in the schools. You want your child in a well-established school with teachers in possession of years of experience.
Style of Home
Are you interested in a condo or a single family home? If you’re looking for an apartment, you may want to work with a real estate agent who has a lot of experience in the neighborhood. Stroll the neighborhood and study the signs on houses that are for sale. A real estate company with a strong presence in the neighborhood can help you find a good deal in your neighborhood of choice. They can also give you data on trends in the neighborhood and areas where they see improvement or decay.
Neighborhood Perks
Make sure the neighborhood perks work for you. If you have dogs, find a neighborhood with a dog park. If you have kids, look for neighborhoods with great parks or a swimming pool. A library in walking distance and a grocery store between your job and your house can save a lot of time and hassle.
Check out the mood of your new neighborhood before you buy. Spend time there at different times of day and on the weekends. Determine what truly matters to you in terms of mood and engagement before you move in.