When searching for a new home, it may occur to you that you want a change of pace from the lifestyle of your current location. How can you determine if the new areas where are you looking for homes will suit your needs? Everyone will require different qualities of a good neighbourhood; here are some for you to consider before making your next big change of location.
Physical Landscape
Some people look for lush green landscaping that will offer lovely shade for your home during the summer time and provide a scenic and serene view throughout the year. Well-developed gardens and parks can add a lot of value and character to a neighbourhood and can easily become an essential quality of a good neighbourhood.
Amenities and Facilities
An important quality of a good neighbourhood is the proximity to specific amenities and facilities that you are looking for. Such amenities can be parks, shopping centres, places of worship, medical facilities, eateries, public transportation, recreation centres and playgrounds.
Residing in a neighbourhood where you can easily walk around may be important if you have an active lifestyle, or do not want to worry about paying for parking. You may want to be located close to places that have a more vibrant night life, or you might prefer quieter surroundings. Just remember that a premium is often placed on homes that are closer to prime amenities.
Schools and Post-Secondary Institutions
Having a great school and path of schooling (elementary school, middle school, high school and even post-secondary institutions) means you can feel at ease establishing yourself in a specific neighbourhood. The better the school, the better the education your child will receive which gives them better chances for success in life and helps to build an excellent community.
When determining if a school is good, try to get as many opinions as you can and even visit the school for yourself to get a first-hand view of what it can offer. Just as with amenities and facilities, better schools are usually associated with more expensive neighbourhoods. This can be great for people who plan on investing in a community as they know they will get a great return should they wish to move after their children’s education is complete.
