Finding the Right Neighborhood
The first and most important question to answer as a first time home owner.
Where to Live
Where to live is the first matter of control many first time homeowners experience. They set the conditions of where to live. The first time homeowners ask the precursor question. What is important in an area we what to live? That creates all the conditions a neighborhood must have to be the best area to live.
The following is a list of issues of where to live. Individualizing them will create a matrix that has value in determining where to live.
Establish the priorities of the neighborhood’s wants and needs
Location – the neighborhood’s location to family, friends, work, play and other important locations often trump all other concerns.
Transportation Issues – Check mass transit if this is an important issue. Check commute times and problem issues like chock points and freeway access. Parking can also be an issue for family gatherings and other social events. If the property has an HOA, check into the bylaws about these issues.
Crime and Safety-- check out crime statistics by neighborhood. Also check Megan’s law data base to see how many sex offenders are in the neighborhood.
School system – Check out the actual property address to see what school district it be longs. Do not assume if it is in the neighborhood of the correct school, it is in this district. Also a much sought-after school system raises your property value.
Types of house – Check out the houses in the neighborhood is see if they are the correct type single-family home, one or two story, 2 or 3 car garage and much more. Not every community has a variety of house styles.
Parks and community centers – check out how far and what they offer can increase or decrease a neighborhood’s value. Check out dog parks, skate parks and other specialty parks if that is important to the life style.
Amenities – check out walking distance conveniences. Look for shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, gas stations, food stores and much more.
Neighborhood associations – Are there C C and R’s? Are there HOA’s? Finding out what they are before moving in can solve many problems.
Neighborhood warning signs - look for abandoned buildings or vandalism. If the community goes downhill, so does the house's value. Also check for unpleasant smells.
Other issues—This list is not all encompassing. In addition, there are many individual needs to specify in a general list. Add as many as needed to create the perfect neighborhood criteria to begin the search for the first home neighborhood.