Choosing the perfect home to settle in can be a tough decision. You have to weigh in on many factors including price, size, features and amenities, number of bedrooms and baths, design, and so on. However, all these factors are not enough to give you a great home ownership experience if you fall into the wrong neighborhood.

Picking the right neighborhood not only guarantees you happiness and comfort, but also helps with home appreciation for the sake of future re-sale value. In most cases, though, it can be tougher to find the perfect neighborhood than it is to find the right house.

Here are some factors that can help you find the right neighborhood:

Schools

If you have kids and the quality of their education is a priority, consider a neighborhood with a reputable school district. Even if you don’t have kids, such a neighborhood will most likely boost your home’s appreciation. You may also find it easier to find a buyer if you decide to move away from the neighborhood.

Crime Rate

No one wants to live in a neighborhood with high crime rates. This is one of the basic factors that you must consider when searching for a new neighborhood. Check the area’s crime statistics from the local authorities, search online, or ask your potential neighbors.

Transport

This is also a key factor to consider. How far do you have to drive to work from the new neighborhood? How much traffic will you encounter in the area?

If you don’t drive, are there adequate public transportation networks in place? How will your kids travel to school? Make sure that the new neighborhood meets all your transportation needs.

Basic Amenities

Is the neighborhood close to basic amenities that you are used to or that you rely on? Such amenities may include a nearby hospital, pharmacy, grocery store, bank or ATM, and law enforcement center. 

Recreational Amenities and Activities

Does the neighborhood have a park where you can go for a picnic with your partner or where your kids can play and make friends? Are there cultural attractions such as concerts, art exhibits and film shows?

Are there bars, movie theatres and restaurants close by? Are there malls or stores where you can go shopping during the weekends? What about a library, gym or community swimming pool?

If you are fun-loving person, make sure your neighborhood can provide as much fun as possible. You don’t want to start having regrets about a boring neighborhood in less than a year after settling in.

Community Engagement

Are you looking for a neighborhood with a sense of anonymity or a sense of belonging? In some neighborhoods, neighbors hardly know each other while in others, block parties and community events are a common thing. Which one would you prefer?

It is not easy to find everything you want in one place, but you can definitely get most of it in a certain neighborhood if you search well enough. Create your wish list and contact your trusted real estate professional so that they can help you find your dream house in the best neighborhood for you.