New York, NY (Top40 Charts) When looking for a new home, you will have to decide on a new district that would suit your needs and lifestyle. Choosing the right area is just as important as choosing the house itself. It is necessary to take into account the range of prices for real estate, types of property available, proximity to schools, and other necessary facilities. How to select the best area when buying a new home? Here are some basic tips for future homeowners.
How Far Are You Moving?
Moving to a new house and area is a huge event. Is your new area in the same city or are you moving to another region of the country? Often the place of residence depends on a new job or school. In this case, you have to decide how much time you are willing to spend to get to work, and accordingly determine the ideal areas for yourself. If you are moving to another state, be sure to find out all the legal nuances in order to move smoothly. Explore all available options carefully and check the neighborhood with the help of the Neighbor.Report service.
Do You Prefer City, Rural, or Suburban Area?
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Do you like having neighbors? Do you want all the necessary facilities to be within walking distance? Decide which environment suits you best and choose the area based on that:
- Open space, large yards, and the quietness of the countryside come with the following downsides: fewer shops, schools, and community resources.
- Living in the city provides many opportunities for entertainment and study, as well as events and community programs, but also less space, proximity to neighbors, and noisy traffic.
- The suburb is a kind of intermediate option. It all depends on your preferences.
Moving to another area can lead to big life changes, so make sure your expectations are reasonable.
Safety and Crime Statistics
Do a little research on crime statistics in your chosen area. This information can usually be found on the Internet, but for smaller cities, information may be limited. Another option is to drive around the area and look for signs of vandalism or graffiti. Find out if homes in the area have crime deterrents, such as high fences, bars on windows, or "Beware of Dogs" signs.
Surrounding and Atmosphere
Take some time and walk around the area. Look how well-groomed it is. Do the houses have beautiful yards and driveways? Pay attention to whether the streets and sidewalks are clean, and look for vacant or abandoned lots. One day they may be used for commercial purposes, which will change the appearance of the area. Commercial development also affects the value of real estate. If you can’t visit the area, use Google Street View for a virtual walk. The right neighborhood is the one that suits your needs.
Shops and Restaurants
Go back to the list you made earlier and check if the amenities you need are available in your area. If you require 24-hour grocery stores, restaurants, and malls, you should make sure these facilities are nearby. If there are bars and clubs in the neighborhood, consider how noisy they can be on weekends. How developed is local business?
When choosing a family nest, keep in mind all the above-mentioned criteria to save your time and money. Make sure that you will like a new district before moving.