When shopping for a home, perhaps the first decision to make is where you would like to live. The neighborhood you choose will determine a lot of things about your home- such as price, amenities, location, commute, schools and more. We believe that choosing the right neighborhood for your family is an important step of the housing hunting process, and will ultimately lead you to find a home that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
If you have kids or plan to have kids, their needs are likely to be top priority for you when choosing a home. Choosing a neighborhood should be no different. Spend time researching school districts and become familiar with your options. Talk to other local parents about their experiences! School is such a large part of your child’s life, so you want to make sure you’re sending them to a good one.
Consider your desired lifestyle. If you’re a big runner or biker, walking trails may be an important amenity for you. Perhaps you love the idea of being able to walk to shops and restaurants, then you’ll need to consider neighborhoods that are closer to your town’s main areas. While these details may seem small in the grand scheme of things, these are the type of features that will lead you to fall in love with where you live (and that’s what we want!). The accessibility of these amenities can help you narrow down your options.
Factor in neighborhood expenses. The fact that your ideal neighborhood offers so many amenities, has a great school district and beautiful homes typically means that the taxes will be higher. You’ll simply need to consider these fees and build them into your housing budget should you decide on said neighborhood.
Think about the style of house you’re looking for. Many times, especially in newer neighborhoods, the houses will share a similar style. A great way to narrow your search is down is by discovering what your house style is, and then search for neighborhoods that cater to your preferences.
And lastly, ask around! Talk to residents in different neighborhoods about their experiences, their likes and dislikes. There is no better way to find out what it’s like to live somewhere than from someone who does! Of course, we can assist you in your journey as well. Need an idea of where to start? Contact us at (832) 866-6122 or email us at christine@richardsrealtygroup.com!
