9 Things That Make a Neighborhood Great
Now that you are in the market for a new home, you may have
noticed the difference between your old home and the home that you have your
eye on. Overtime, we become accustomed to our home and our neighborhood and we
may not see what our neighborhood lacks until we venture into a new one in
search for a new home.
All My Sons Moving & Storage of Raleigh wants to remind
you that you are not just buying or renting a home, you are buying into the
neighborhood as well. Sure the home LOOKS great, but is the neighborhood great?
Our professional movers have been moving families like yours
for over 40 years and not all neighborhoods are created equal. Although there
is no such thing as a perfect neighborhood, depending on your lifestyle and
your unique needs, there might just be the ‘perfect’ neighborhood for you.
If you are house hunting, All My Sons of Raleigh wants you
to keep in mind these 9 ideal neighborhood traits:
1.
Lifestyle Match
The perfect neighborhood for you is one that suits your
lifestyle. Meaning that a cookie-cutter suburban neighborhood in a gated
community may not be the perfect match for a single 20-year-old. Both renters
and homebuyers gravitate towards areas with similar demographics, so make sure that
you look for a neighborhood that is right for you.
2.
Low Crime Rate
The lower the crime rate the better. Crime rates are a quick
way to tell if the neighborhood you are interested in is good, bad, improving,
or not.
3.
Great Schools
Whether you have children or they are in your future plans, a
great school system should be a top priority for renters and homebuyers. Also,
the school ratings can greatly reflect on the type of neighborhoods that are
located in the area. Not only are great schools good for you and your family,
but having a home in a neighborhood that is in a good school district makes
real estate more valuable and keeps property values strong.
4.
Outdoor Amenities
Being close to amenities such as parks, trails, water, and
other outdoor activities will make the neighborhood even more appealing to you
and in the future if you sell it. Having parks within walking distance is also
great for families with children, as they can easily walk to the park with
neighborhood friends.
5.
Family Friendly
Families are typically drawn to neighborhoods with children.
A family friendly neighborhood means that your kids will have a better chance
at making friends within the proximity, and will be able to socialize and play
with ease. It also helps with the moving transition for your child.
6.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is a great commodity for a
neighborhood, renters, and home buyers. Whether you are in your 20s, 40s, or 80s,
public transportation is a plus.
7.
Nearby Stores
Realistically, no one wants to make a long trek for a loaf
of bread or to pump gas. Having a neighborhood that is located near shopping
and restaurants is a must. If you are looking to live in the city, this may not
be much of a concern. However, in suburban neighborhoods everything is
typically a car ride away.
8.
Entertainment
Even if you are settling down and having kids, you are never
too young to enjoy yourself. Making sure that there is a nearby town center that
has a movie theater, bars, restaurants, and some nightlife for you to enjoy or
entertain any out-of-town visitors.
9.
Walkability
Speaking of having things in close proximity, being able to
walk to markets, shops, restaurants, parks, and other venues will make home
buyers fall head over heels for a neighborhood. The overall atmosphere of the
neighborhood will be more pleasant if people can avoid traffic and enjoy a nice
walk into town.