You’re trying to look for the perfect house, but it will not be perfect until you found the perfect neighborhood. Bear in mind that purchasing a house can be the single biggest investment you will ever make in your lifetime. You do not want to make a mistake and live in fear.
We understand that choosing a new neighborhood is never easy. To help you make this important decision, here are some important factors for you to consider. The followings are 7 things to consider when choosing a new neighborhood:
1. Real Estate Value
The market condition is an extremely important aspect to be aware of. While real estate is constantly in a state of fluctuation, you should always research the current home prices, length of the home sales period, the resale value, and the long-term growth rate. National Association of Realtors is a good resource when checking on the median home price and the percentage change.
On top of that, is your neighborhood in the city where new investments are coming in and
2. Transportation
Spend some time to experience the transportation system in your neighborhood. If you drive, certainly pay attention to your commuting time in different time period throughout the day. Take note of possible heavy traffic during rush hours and if any alternative routes are available. Explore public transportation options, especially if your work location lacks adequate parking. Find out your commute times.
If you are a frequent traveler, make sure you have good access to the airport. If you often travel internationally, living in close proximity to an international airport is suggested.
3. Employment Opportunities
The performance of the local job market brings direct impact on house prices in the neighborhood. A high-growth neighborhood attracts big corporations and employers to move in. These job centers tend to result in some of the hottest neighborhoods with high-value homes.
Not only does the job quality vary from state to state, but the income level also varies greatly as well. Even for the same job title, there can be a salary gap across states or even just cities, thus comparing the pay rates can help you gather a bigger picture. Do some research if you are looking for new job opportunities and easiness of relocation if you are looking to move again in the future.
4. Schools
Great schools imply great neighborhoods. Most of the parents will send their kids to public schools, therefore being in a highly rated school district is crucial. Many resources can be of help in the process of searching for an ideal school. In the meantime, consider your child’s whole school journey including predatory school to high school because moving multiple times can be a huge financial burden. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the boundaries as well in case there is a re-zoning in the future.
There should also be convenient commuting methods and consider if walking is safe for your child. To get a more comprehensive picture of a school district, it is recommended to go to check out the schools in person if it’s possible.
5. Accessibility
A lot of residential areas have a certain distance from the city center. Take some time to figure out what you would like to be close to. Are you a person who likes to visit cafes often? Or your family prefers fresh produce that you might want to live near a farmers market? Finding a neighborhood with walking distance to grocery stores and restaurants can be challenging. A walkability score can certainly help you gather a better picture.
6. Safety
Crimes are unavoidable in any neighborhood but that does not mean you can skip the process of researching the crime rates and other safety concerns. If you already have a neighborhood in mind, go to CrimeReports to learn more about recent crimes and further breakdown of each crime. Another valuable tool is the National Sex Offender Public Website, it indicates the safety of a potential neighborhood by showing how many sex offenders are nearby.
Keep in mind that the safety of a neighborhood can change time after time. Take the long-term stability into account when looking at a neighborhood. Factor in the future development which might impact the location. Talk to the local police department if you want more in-depth details about the community.
7. Climate
If you are considering moving from Las Vegas, Nevada to Seattle, Washington, the chances are that you will feel depressed throughout the gloomy rainy season. If you grow up in a city with a tropical climate, California is likely the place you will call home instead of Ohio.
The point is, moving into a place with a climate you don’t feel comfortable living with can adversely impact your mental health and job performance. Don’t underestimate the power of climate and choose your neighborhood wisely.
If you are considering moving and selling your home at Washington State, contact us today to learn more and get an estimate of your home cash value.
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