When shopping for a home, it’s important to not just love the property but to find a neighborhood that’s the right fit for you and your family.
Your personal values and lifestyle determine whether an urban, suburban, or country setting is best, as well as the types of options you’ll choose.
Do you want to send your kids to traditional public schools, charter schools or private schools? Do you want to live closer to your doctor or to entertainment venues? Do you want to live close to work or are you willing to put up with a long commute to live in a quieter bucolic setting?
Here’s a checklist to help you evaluate the neighborhood when buying a home.
Schools drive value
Parents can get a wealth of information by checking the district's "report cards" on the school's test scores and graduation rates and conducting an on-site visit.
- Are the standardized test scores well above average?
- What percent of seniors graduate?
- How does the school rank in the district and the state?
- Is the building fairly new and well-maintained?
- What's the condition of the library, gymnasium, cafeteria and classrooms?
- What's the experience level of the teachers?
- What are the lockdown procedures?
- What is the school district's policy on which school a student attends? Does it go by neighborhood? By a lottery system?
- Will a district allow parents to transfer a child to a different school within the same neighborhood?
Crime repels buyers
The safety of your family is important. Crime can be one of the biggest indicators of whether a neighborhood is a good place to live.
- How does the neighborhood rank in databases for crime statistics?
- Are there any noticeable spikes in different categories, such as violent or property crime?
- What is the character of the neighborhood at different times of the day?
- What do neighbors think of the community?
Preferences determine desirability
Buyers' lifestyle preferences determine what they need in a neighborhood.
- Is the home near a major thoroughfare?
- Is the property near preferred grocery stores?
- Can neighbors walk to restaurants/cafes?
- How far are schools?
- How far is public transit?
- Is the community near a hospital and other medical facilities?
- Does the neighborhood have a swim club, tennis courts and basketball courts?
- How much of the community consists of parks and green areas?
- What is the area's zoning? Are there any plans for reconsideration by a local municipality?
Buyers want community
Events bring people together and promote a sense of community.
- How active is the homeowners association?
- Are there regular neighborhood activities, such as fairs and holiday celebrations?
- Are neighbors out talking to one another, running, biking and walking their dogs?
A neighborhood's attributes hold different meanings for buyers with varying needs. Young families often place a high priority on good schools, while senior citizens want to be near good health care. Settle on yours before beginning your home search.