When you are shopping for a new home, you are also picking out the next neighborhood where you will live. This part of your decision can end up being as important as the choices you make about the home itself. Some important factors to consider include location, safety, and schools. Let’s go into more detail.
- Location. Start by evaluating the location. How close or far is it from your workplace? How is the access to roads and public transportation? How will the location affect the weather? Is it in a warmer or cooler area than other neighborhoods?
- Safety. Another of the most important considerations is safety. Check the rates for violent and property crime, and take a drive around the neighborhood at night to see what it’s like after dark. Also consider cultural aspects of the neighborhood. What values are common there? Do they mesh with yours? Are people there likely to welcome you?
- Noise levels. Find out what you can about noise levels. Visiting during different times a day could give you a feel for how loud or quiet the neighbors are. Also think about noise levels from nearby highways, airports, etc.
- Look and feel. The overall appearance and vibes of a neighborhood will have a huge impact on what it feels like to live there every day. So even though this is not a “practical” consideration, it is still important to weigh when deciding where to live.
- Schools. If you are moving to the area with kids, or you plan to have children in the future, another key factor in your assessment should be the quality of the schools in the district. You can research online and find reviews from parents. Read through them carefully. Social media is also a good place to ask for additional information. Sometimes it is worth making a few sacrifices in other areas if it means getting your kids into excellent schools.
- Amenities. Find out what services and amenities are in the neighborhood, especially close to the house you are interested in. Here are some things you might want to look for:
- Restaurants and bars
- Shopping centers
- Grocery stores
- Movie theatres
- Laundromats
- Gyms and swimming pools
- Parks
- Other recreational destinations and activities
What matters to you depends on your lifestyle. One family might be happy living next to a shopping center, while another would prefer to have a golf course nearby.
- Future development. You will probably be focusing mostly on the present when you are choosing a neighborhood. But you also should think about the future. Research the neighborhood to find out whether there are any future developments planned. For instance, are there any projects to add or expand shopping centers, or maybe to build offices or new condos or apartment complex?Neighborhoods with projects like these in the pipeline may be up-and-coming places people will want to move to. This can drive up demand for housing, causing property values to rise. So, investing in a home in such a neighborhood can result in your equity increasing in value too. Whether you plan to stay in your home for the long term or sell in a few years, either way, you benefit.
Buy a Home In Indiana
Grandview Lending is based in Indianapolis, and can help you buy a home or refinance anywhere in Indiana. To get started, please give us a call at (317) 255-0062 to schedule your mortgage consultation. We look forward to helping you move into your next home and achieve your financial goals.
