Choose a Neighborhood
When you can tell the difference between your housing wants and
needs, you'll probably have an easier time deciding what you want
and need from a neighborhood.
You may already have a good idea about the neighborhood you
would like to live in. Don't let that keep you from looking at
other neighborhoods with similar qualities. You might not be
giving another area a chance and you might be passing up your
dream house.
Ask yourself these questions about neighborhoods:
Personal Questions
- How long will it take to get to work and much will it cost?
- Are you living in a country, suburban, or urban area?
- How far will you be from family members?
- How far will you be from religious activities, night school
or other regular activities?
- Are there any homeowners' association fees, rules or
restrictions?
- Can you afford the county or city taxes?
Neighborhood-Specific Questions
- What are the schools, hospitals and other public services
like and how close are they?
- Is it an older, established neighborhood or a younger, still
growing community?
- Are there signs of new construction in the area?
- What will this neighborhood look like in 10 years?
- What are the values of other homes in the neighborhood?
- If there are nearby restaurants and other businesses, do
they bring people out during the day or at night?
- What's the traffic like during the week? In the evenings? On
weekends?
- Are there plans for a mega-mall or sports facility nearby?
- Are there mass-transit options within walking distance?
If you like a neighborhood, talk to people who live there.
They'll be the most knowledgeable resources about the area and may
be your future neighbors and/or friends!
Where should you look for additional neighborhood and
community information?
- Local newspapers and radio stations
- Local school districts, school boards and county websites
for school information
- Neighborhood or homeowners' associations
- Real estate professionals
- Local organizations like the local Chamber of Commerce
- Local businesses
- Public libraries
- Local police departments
- The Internet
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