Even if you know which town you want to live in next, it can be tough narrowing down your choices to a particular neighborhood that’s right for you and your family. From the quality of the school system to proximity to your workplace, there are many factors that play into this decision. Let’s go over some tips on how to choose the perfect neighborhood to start a new chapter of your life.
Talk to friends you may have in the area, go on social media and pose questions, and most importantly, ask your Realtor. Real estate agents are uniquely qualified to outline the pros and cons of particular neighborhoods because they help people buy and sell in those areas all the time. They can pool their resources and choose neighborhoods they think you will like based on answers to a few questions. Those questions include:
- What is your budget?
- What kind of house do you want? (single-family, multi-family, condo, townhouse, etc.)
- What kinds of neighbors do you want? (young families with kids, singles, young professionals, retirees, etc.)
- What are you looking for in a neighborhood? (stellar schools, access to shopping and highways, restaurants, etc.)
Once you narrow down these answers, your Realtor can work with you in locating those neighborhoods best suited to you that feature homes in your price range.
Transportation
How you intend to get around is important. If you work in a big city, it makes sense you will want to live in the city or on the very edges rather than suburban areas. Whether you live inside the city or well outside it, you’ll also want to know what types of public transportation systems there are. This will be unique to your interests, whether you’re looking for a subway to get to work or you want a neighborhood where bike lanes are common.
Schools
If you have kids, the first thought that pops into your head when viewing neighborhoods is the quality of the school system. Your Realtor can help you with this, too, or you can perform your own research online. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Is there easy access to good daycare facilities and preschools?
- Do those places have after-school programs in the event I have to work late?
- Do they have day camps in the summer?
- Are there quality, top-rated elementary schools, high schools, or even nearby colleges that my kids can attend?
The neighborhood you choose will depend heavily on the answers to those questions.
Amenities
While a nice home and school are certainly nice, you want to be able to get out socially once in awhile. For that, you will need good restaurants, nightlife, shopping malls, ice cream stands, movie theaters and more in order to stay entertained throughout the year. You’ll also need close access to a grocery store for weekly shopping as well as a gas station. Consider some nice-to-haves, too. If you can’t live without your latte every day, locate a neighborhood that has good walking access to coffee shops downtown. To keep your kids occupied, look for libraries, recreation centers and parks.
Remember, you’ll probably have to make compromises, so list out your “must-haves” along with your “would-like-to-haves,” suggests HGTV.
Recreation
Whether you’re a nature lover or an art lover, you want to know your new neighborhood will have access to recreational facilities that interest you. This could include anything from biking and hiking trails to beaches and pools. Inquire about fairs, festivals, sporting events and concerts. Or, if you prefer to be indoors, look at local museums, art galleries, theaters and aquariums.
Contact Around the Clock Moving and Storage in Dallas
In addition to all of the above, you’ll also need to find trusted, local movers who can help you achieve a seamless move to your new neighborhood. Contact us at 469-853-0045 in Mesquite or Dallas today for our affordable rates and reliable services.
