Beyond the Curb Appeal: How to Choose a Neighborhood 

Finding the perfect neighborhood may vary depending on your lifestyle, but there are common factors that almost any homebuyer would name. These include safety, conveniences and accessibility. Good schools also have an impact on property values, even if you don’t have kids. 

These tips are designed to help you land in an area that delivers a rich, vibrant life.

Understanding Your Needs

When evaluating neighborhoods, consider how well the area will fit your daily habits, lifestyle and budget. 

• Think about your typical routines, whether it’s commuting for work, walking kids to school or taking off for a long trail run. 
• Location, location, location. Consider proximity to your workplace, major transit hubs and commonly visited destinations.
• Review the availability of your “must-have” amenities and the neighborhood’s proximity to them.
• Determine the type of home you want and assess your budget. 

Key Neighborhood Factors to Consider

Let’s dig into the critical elements that will help you weigh the pros and cons of buying in a given neighborhood.

1. Safety and Crime Rates

This is one of the most crucial factors for homebuyers. You want the peace of mind and sense of security that comes with low crime. Moreover, high crime rates can also affect your home value down the line. 

If an area is deemed unsafe it can reduce property values and deter potential buyers. Moreover, high crime rates can diminish your quality of life today.

Each neighborhood page on Homes.com includes crime and safety scores, provided by CAP Index. You can also review local crime statistics through police department reports and the local newspaper. Signing up for SpotCrime can provide you with crime alerts, and you can check FamilyWatchdog for nearby sexual offenders.

Communities with active “Neighborhood Watch” programs and engaged residents tend to have lower crime rates. This is due to increased vigilance that deters criminal activity. Contact the neighborhood’s homeowner’s association (HOA) to ask about their crime prevention measures. 

You can also ask on a local social media site to see the community’s propensity to band together. You may also search to see if the neighborhood hosted a National Night Out. This annual event promotes partnerships between the police and the community. An involved community that prioritizes safety is an excellent indicator of a secure, desirable neighborhood.

2. Schools and Education

The quality of local schools is a top priority for many homebuyers, especially those with children. However, access to good schools should be a consideration for everyone due to its impact on property values.

Start by researching the local school district to see its performance. Each neighborhood on Homes.com provides details about the schools in the area, with ratings from GreatSchools and Niche. 

You can also visit the school’s website to gain insights into the academic excellence of a school and its district. Look for standardized test scores, graduation rates, teacher-student ratios and other objective metrics.

Depending on your family, you may need to weigh elementary, middle and high schools separately. The needs and expectations for each age group can vary significantly. Because of this, you should review how local schools cater to students at different developmental stages. Sometimes it’s possible to move within the district, but it’s best to confirm that upfront.

Check into the availability of extracurricular programs, sports teams, clubs and specialized resources like gifted/talented programs, special education services or language immersion options. You want a district with options that are appealing to your child today. At the same time, there should be enough choices to satisfy them as they grow and develop new interests.

3. Amenities and Convenience

Little things can have a big impact on everyday life. You’ll want to assess each neighborhood’s accessibility to key services to ensure that they meet your needs.

Start with essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, schools and medical facilities. Proximity to these can reduce the time and effort required for routine errands and appointments.

Then explore the neighborhood’s transportation options, including the availability and reliability of public transit, such as buses or trains. This is especially important if you’ll be commuting frequently.  Also, assess the proximity to major highways, arterial roads and commuter routes. Easy access to public transportation networks can also streamline your daily commute.

Access to the outdoors can positively affect your physical and mental health. Moreover, it can contribute greatly to a neighborhood’s overall livability and appeal. Look into the availability of parks, trails and other green spaces, along with recreation centers. These types of amenities promote an active, healthy routine and provide opportunities for relaxation, exercise and community engagement.

Finally, the variety and caliber of local dining, shopping and entertainment options can significantly enhance a neighborhood’s desirability. But again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. One person might want an upscale wine bar while another favors a family-friendly diner.

4. Housing Market and Affordability

Let’s be honest: Budget will play a huge role in which neighborhoods are realistic choices. Gather data on housing prices and the types of homes available, such as single-family homes and condos. This will help you hone in on neighborhoods that have what you need at a price you can afford.

Research the typical home prices. Keep other factors in mind, too, such as HOA dues, property tax rates and other hidden costs. This gives you an overview of the area’s affordability. 

The best way to really get a handle on pricing is to talk to a real estate agent with market knowledge. A trusted agent will be able to explain the local “comps” and why certain homes might be priced the way they are.

With your agent’s help, you can examine the broader housing market conditions of the neighborhood. Reviewing inventory levels, days on the market and sales-to-list price ratios will help you gauge the market’s health and give you a window into future trends.

In addition to homeownership, consider the availability and affordability of rental properties in the neighborhood. The local rental market can provide insights into the cost of living and appeal of the area, especially for first-time homebuyers or those seeking more flexibility.

For most people, their home is the single biggest purchase they will ever make. Many homebuyers expect there to be a certain amount of appreciation. To determine the potential for a specific neighborhood, note historical property value trends and growth projections.

5. Community and Lifestyle

It’s important to have people who are like you nearby to ensure you have robust social opportunities. This is true whether you are a retiree, a young professional or part of a growing family.

A neighborhood where residents organize events such as block parties and holiday celebrations can help you feel like a part of the community. Moreover, it will help you build ties with your neighbors.

“Community is everything,” Levine says. “We recommend spending time living like a local to test drive what life would be like there. Go to a coffee shop; stroll the farmer’s market; check out the sidelines of a soccer game at the park; do some people watching and chat with locals. These experiences give a view into the lifestyle and vibe and help you determine if that feels right to you.” 

You’ll want to consider how well the neighborhood aligns with your personal preferences, hobbies and values. There are factors that can indicate if an area will truly feel like a good fit for you. These may include the prevalence of a healthy environment, recreational amenities, religious institutions or LGBTQ+ friendly establishments.

How to Research Potential Neighborhoods

• Visit the neighborhood at different times of day.
• Explore online resources.
• Review social media and local forums.
• Consult your real estate agent.

Visit the Neighborhood at Different Times of Day

There’s no better way to explore a neighborhood than by visiting it to do a vibe check. Does a typical weekend afternoon include neighbors on their front porches while the kids shoot baskets? Are the outdoor bistros bursting with groups of friends catching up? 

Doing some recon in the evening can be a great idea, too. A neighborhood may seem great during an open house, but be different at 11 p.m. on a Wednesday.

Explore Online Resources

Exploring online resources and neighborhood websites can help you develop a deeper understanding of a neighborhood. For example, Homes.com allows you to explore thousands of great neighborhoods. 

Consider Social Media and Local Forums

Neighborhood groups on Facebook or NextDoor can provide insight on what the community is chattering about. There could also be forums that discuss local news and events, including sources that live in the area. Some neighborhoods may have a site hosted by a mom’s club or a suburban blog. 

Consult Your Real Estate Agent

If you’re not finding what you need from your own research, your real estate agent should be plugged into the community.

“We encourage clients to visit and tour so they can see each neighborhood firsthand,” says Alli Levine, director of communications for Suburban Jungle, a real estate advisory service that helps families find the best neighborhood to call home. “After getting the lay of the land, spend time walking around and observe the details: Are there sidewalks? What is the walking distance to downtown? Notice the proximity to things that matter to you. Chat with locals and ask questions.”

The Bottom Line on Choosing the Best Neighborhood

It does not need to be difficult to find a neighborhood, provided that you follow the right steps. Evaluate the community dynamics, diversity and compatibility with your personal needs. You’ll also want to consider commute times and ensure that the homes you’re considering are in your price range. With a little research, you can identify the best neighborhood where you and your family can thrive.