How to Find Your Perfect Neighborhood

If you’re shopping for a new place, you may find the perfect home—but remember, you also need to consider the neighborhood to make sure the community and location are right for you.

For those with children, the neighborhood’s school district may be at the top of your priority list. Check out the public-school ratings, or if you plan on sending your kids to private school, look at the pricing and make sure it’s something you can afford.

It’s also a good idea to look at nearby parks and community centers to check out what type of recreational activities are available for children. Most kids are going to want to play a sport or be involved in an extracurricular activity, so make sure that your potential community offers them.

Don’t forget to look at how far your new home will be from work and where the nearest public transportation is located if you need that option. And as for train stations, make sure they offer parking spaces—many places are so crowded there is a waiting list. If you do drive, you’ll want to understand the traffic patterns to and from your job. You won’t want to waste half your day in traffic.

Take a gander at the living conditions of the neighborhood. Do you see a lot of fences and “Keep Out” signs? Are there many kids on the block? Do people walk their dogs on the street? Are there posted neighborhood events? Visit on a weekend day to say hello to some of the residents and ask about the neighborhood before putting in an offer.

Some people may want to live in a historic neighborhood with a lot of character, while others may want a newer development with more modern features. Everyone is different and you need to make sure that your perfect house is in a neighborhood that meets your needs.