What to Look for in a Neighborhood

There are many important factors that go into choosing a new home, and quite often buyers don’t consider things beyond the house itself. When you buy a new home, you’re also buying into and becoming a part of the neighborhood. And as anyone who has moved several times will agree, the surrounding neighborhood can make a huge impact on your life.

When choosing a home, the neighborhood should be taken into account. And while there’s no such thing as a “perfect” neighborhood, there are some key elements that all great neighborhoods share.

Lifestyle Match

It’s important that the neighborhood you choose is a good match for your lifestyle. If you’re a young, single professional, living in a neighborhood with mostly older families may not be an ideal match. People tend to be happiest with neighborhoods that mirror their lifestyle and demographic. This makes it easier to get involved in local activities, make new acquaintances, and find things that are relevant to your interests.

Pride in the Neighborhood

It’s easy to tell when you’re in a neighborhood that takes pride in itself. Well-maintained lawns, pristine homes, and active community events are all telltale signs of residents taking pride in their neighborhood.

Low Crime Rates

Everyone wants to live somewhere with a sense of safety and security. Low crime rates are a good indicator of how safe a neighborhood is. There are many online resources for monitoring crime, allowing you to quickly see the types and frequency of crime in a particular neighborhood. This can be an invaluable resource when choosing a neighborhood to move to.

Excellent Schools

For parents with school-aged children, moving to an area with excellent schools is incredibly important. And it’s also a strong selling point for homebuyers without children, as great schools make the surrounding area sought after, keeping property values strong. Trulia’s local map feature that I mentioned above for crime can also be used to see how well schools in a particular district rank according to data provided by GreatSchools.

Proximity to Businesses and Other Services

No one wants to drive 20 miles to get to the nearest grocery store. Choosing a neighborhood that allows easy access to stores, restaurants, and businesses can make your life easier and happier. Not every neighborhood will cater to everyone’s tastes. If you enjoy a night out on the town, a neighborhood that’s extremely far from the nearest nightclub may not be the ideal match. Other services that are good to have nearby include hospitals, police and fire stations, and libraries.

If you’re considering moving to a new neighborhood, I highly recommend choosing Encinitas. Our beautiful beach community has something to offer everyone, from laid back costal hangouts to scenic vistas, Encinitas is as close to a perfect neighborhood as you can find. And as the #1 realtor in Encinitas, I can help you find the dream home that will meet all of your needs.

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