You’ve heard it before: location, location, location. When you’re buying a home with your family in mind, the neighborhood is almost as important as the property itself. When browsing homes, check the neighborhoods against this list:
1. Low Crime Rates
You want to protect your kids and sleep soundly at night, so contact the local police department to learn more about the neighborhood’s crime rates. The lower and less violent the crimes the better. Then visit the area during different times of day to get a feel for all the shades of the location.
2. Good Schools
If you have kids, getting them in a good school is likely one of your top priorities. Make sure that the neighborhood is zoned for schools with good ratings. And if you plan to stay in your home for a while, check out the scores of the middle and high schools as well.
3. Connected Community
A close-knit neighborhood can make raising little ones 100 times easier. You’ll find other parents, have built-in friends for your kids, and maybe even trade free babysitting. Look for families playing outside and chat with them to get all the insider secrets.
4. Nearby Parks, Libraries, and Community Centers
Make sure that the neighborhood offers all the amenities you need to keep your kids busy. Check out the local parks and learn about the nearest library and community center to see if they put on events for children.
5. Quiet Streets
You probably don’t want to walk your kids across a six-lane intersection, so make sure the property is on a quiet street. Visit it during rush hour to get an idea of the traffic you’ll have to deal with. And look at the sidewalks and crosswalks—well-maintained ones are a good sign of a nice neighborhood.
Want to learn about some of the best neighborhoods in the area? Give me a call, and I’ll help you find the best neighborhood for your family.