Hello World! Welcome Friends! Buying a house is an exciting experience that most people, especially first-time homebuyers, are eager to get started. After attending an open house and picking a perfect home, you should consider several things before making an offer. Apart from leveraging the Triangle House Hunter to find the best properties, you should also consider the nature of the neighborhood.
Living in a good neighborhood is as important as picking the right house. You should do your homework and investigate the area thoroughly, whether you want to own or rent the house. Below are a few things to consider when evaluating a neighborhood.
1. Neighborhood Safety
You should prioritize the safety of your to-be neighborhood before paying for the property, especially if you have small kids. Below are a few determinants of a safe neighborhood:
- Crime rate or statistics – Different areas experience criminal activities occasionally. Therefore, don’t expect to find a completely crime-free neighborhood. Even then, you should contact local authorities or check the city’s website for crime statistics. Avoid areas with high criminal activities
- Presence of neighborhood watch – While this shouldn’t necessarily be a deal breaker, settling in an area with an established neighborhood watch signifies a safe environment.
- Talk to the neighbors – You can establish the security situation of the neighborhood by asking random people from the community. Ask a few residents if they feel safe living in that area.
- Street lights – Functional street lights indicate a safe neighborhood.
While these aren’t confirmatory methods of evaluating the neighborhood’s safety, you should also rely on your instincts. If everything doesn’t feel right, keep searching for a place that you feel is secure.
2. General Lifestyle of the Neighborhood
People look for different amenities and lifestyles when searching for a good neighborhood. For instance, someone who wants to start a family will have different amenity preferences than a nester looking for a place with a slow lifestyle pace. Pay close attention to specific details, such as proximity to shopping centers, local attractions, parks, trails, dining options, and open spaces.
If a homeowner’s association manages the neighborhood, find out the amenities included in your fees, such as clubhouse, gym, and pool. Consider scanning local Facebook groups, neighborhood-related websites, and local newspapers to get a general feel of the vibe and special events within the neighborhood.
3. Evaluate the Schools
Evaluating schools is a must if you are relocating with school-going children or have plans of starting a family. Ensure that the neighborhood has good schools that offer quality education. Fortunately, you can find all this information online. Visit the local district’s website and download report cards from nearby schools. Compare performance records of various schools and check parent’s reviews.
4. Pride of Ownership
You can easily notice if residents of the neighborhood care and are proud of their homes and community. For instance, a neighborhood under HOA will most likely have a consistent appearance according to HOA guidelines. However, an excessively strict HOA isn’t ideal if you want more freedom within your property.
Endnote
Availability of public transportation, entertainment options, and proximity to work are other important factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood. Remember that these features greatly determine the demand and value of homes. You should prioritize your essentials to find a budget-friendly option when buying a house.
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