Buying a house is a very exciting experience and you’re probably eager to get the process started. You may even already have a jumpstart on what you’re looking for in a home, but have you asked yourself: "Where should I live?" This is something important to consider when buying your first home. If you’re not quite sure what to look for in a neighborhood, here are some things to consider in scouting your ideal spot. The safety of a neighborhood 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 neighborhood feels safe: Of course, these aren’t the only ways to determine the safety of a neighborhood. And you should always trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, keep searching for the neighborhood that makes you feel secure. Spending time in a neighborhood you’re looking at is a good idea, too. Food, medications, and toiletries are necessities for daily life. If convenience is important to you, you may want to consider choosing a location that’s close to where you will be running a majority of your errands. Unless you're looking at a rural location, of course. Map out where the neighborhood is in relation to the nearest pharmacy, grocery, and department stores. Are they conveniently close? Or will you dread planning a trip to the store? And be sure you're looking into the stores you prefer. If these stores are not close to your home, but are on your way to and from work, school, or daycare, that is also something that may factor into your decision.Neighborhood Safety
Closest Grocery, Pharmacy, and Department Stores
School District
Whether you're planning to have kids in the near future, you just had your first child, or you have a few youngsters in school already, finding a well-performing school district is something many families prioritize when looking for the right location to live. How do you determine if a school district is "good" or not?
- Test scores and data- State test scores can be an indicator of whether a certain school district is performing at, below, or above the state average.Minnesota Report Cardprovides graduation rates,MCAandMTAtest scores, and information about access for English language learners, demographics, and more.
- Programming- School programming can be a big deal for some families. If your student does well in many classes, you may want to see if the district you're considering offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes or college-level courses that can go toward an education after high school.
- Extracurricular activities- Maybe your child loves writing or performing in musicals? Does the school have a newspaper? Finding a district that caters to your children's interests and strengths will help toward their success.
- Sports programs- Maybe you assume all school districts offer high school football, have a swimming team, and are competitive in lacrosse. But maybe the district you're looking into is too small or lacks the funding to support specific sports. Double check to see what athletic programs are offered.
- PTO- If open parent and teacher communication and cooperation is important to you, ask about its Parent Teacher Organization or Association (PTO/PTA). Is there one? How many people actively participate? How often do they meet? What types of topics are discussed when they do meet? Is it an open and welcoming group?
Nearby Parks, Walking Paths, or Dog Parks
Even if you’re looking to buy a home during the winter season, it is still important to check out the outdoor amenities a neighborhood has to offer. You may want to consider taking a drive or walk around the area, and checking for things like:
- Sidewalks- This may not be a deal breaker for you, but sidewalks make a neighborhood more pedestrian friendly. Instead of biking or walking on the street, where cars are driving, you have the safety of a sidewalk.
- Parks- Speaking of parks, is there one within walking distance? Or is it a short drive away? What amenities does the park have? If it's not something you would visit, it might not matter, or it might deter you from buying a house in that neighborhood.
- Walking trails- Maybe you take your dog for a walk every morning before you go to work, or you enjoy a family stroll after dinner. Look around for nearby walking trails or locate a city trail map.
Commute to Work
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. If driving yourself isn’t an option, or one you prefer to avoid, look into transportation options such as metro transit buses or light rail.
Types of Restaurants in the Area
Since food is a daily necessity but you don't always have time to buy groceries and prepare a home-cooked meal, you may find it valuable to have dining options in the area.
Things to remember
The same features that make a neighborhood desirable can also raise the demand for (and prices of) homes in that area. If this happens to you while searching for a home, you may need to take a step back and re-think your approach. Prioritizing your "must-haves" during your home search will make the decision process much easier down the road.You should also work with your realtor and get an idea of how competitive the housing market is in that area. Are people waiting months, a year, or more to buy homes in that community?
It's helpful to determine whether you love the house or the neighborhood. If it’s the neighborhood you love, and the house price is too high, you have a few options. First, you can try to find a smaller home in the area that you can afford. If that's not an option, you can also go back to your "must-haves" list and see if there are any amenities/finishes/etc. that you're willing to give up to find a home in that neighborhood.
If it’s the home you love, understand that you can pay the same amount for very different houses depending on the community you’re looking in. Try to identify what it is you love about the house. Chances are there's a home in a neighborhood nearby that’s less expensive, but has a similar neighborhood feel and community amenities.
Remember to take your time searching and don't be afraid to drive around the area, talk to neighbors, and ask questions. You want to be comfortable when making a big decision like where to buy a house, and you want to be confident in your choice. Make sure to have honest, open conversations with people you trust during the homebuying process such as family members, your realtor, or a financial coach. They can help set realistic expectations and offer advice and opinions when you're making a decision.
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of real estate, I can tell you that buying a house is indeed a thrilling journey, and choosing the right neighborhood is a critical aspect of this process. Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
Neighborhood Safety:
- Crime Statistics: Utilizing city websites or contacting local law enforcement to access crime reports is a solid method. Keep in mind that occasional criminal activity is normal, but a consistently high level could be a red flag.
- Neighborhood Watch: The presence of a neighborhood watch group can indicate community involvement in safety. Look out for signs or inquire with local law enforcement or residents.
- Street Lighting: Adequate street lighting contributes to a safer feeling. Well-lit neighborhoods are often perceived as more secure.
- Talking with Neighbors: Engaging with current residents provides valuable insights into the neighborhood's safety. Personal experiences can be incredibly informative.
Closest Grocery, Pharmacy, and Department Stores:
- Convenience: Proximity to essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and department stores is crucial for day-to-day living. Consider the convenience factor and assess whether these establishments align with your preferences.
School District:
- Test Scores and Data: Evaluating state test scores can gauge the performance of a school district. The Minnesota Report Card, for instance, offers comprehensive information, including graduation rates and test scores.
- Programming: Check if the school district offers advanced programs like AP classes and college-level courses.
- Extracurricular Activities and Sports Programs: Consider the availability of activities that match your child's interests and strengths. Also, inquire about sports programs and their competitiveness.
- Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): The existence and dynamics of a PTO can reflect the level of parent-teacher communication and cooperation in the district.
Nearby Parks, Walking Paths, or Dog Parks:
- Sidewalks: While not a deal-breaker, sidewalks enhance pedestrian friendliness and safety.
- Parks and Walking Trails: Assess the availability and amenities of nearby parks and walking trails, catering to outdoor activities.
Commute to Work:
- Transportation Options: Explore various transportation options, such as metro transit buses or light rail, especially if a short commute is a priority.
Types of Restaurants in the Area:
- Dining Options: Having diverse dining options in the vicinity can be valuable for those times when cooking at home isn't feasible.
Things to Remember:
- Prioritization: Prioritize your "must-haves" to simplify the decision-making process.
- Realtor Guidance: Work closely with your realtor to understand the competitiveness of the housing market and explore alternatives if needed.
- Identifying Preferences: Distinguish between your love for the house and the neighborhood, allowing for flexibility in decision-making.
Remember, a well-informed decision is the key to a successful home-buying experience. Happy house hunting!