Finding the perfect home with just the right location isn't easy, especially if you’re moving to a new area or need to buy quickly so that you can move before your lease ends. The home you buy can determine your quality of life as well as the time and money you spend on your commute every day, so it's important to choose carefully. These five factors will help you find a house in the perfect location.
1. Look at the Surrounding Neighborhood
Experts from John Hook Team: KYRO Real Estate share that one of the first steps to finding a new home is to look at the surrounding neighborhood. While everyone has their criteria for what they’re looking for, it's important to gain an understanding of the other families and homeowners in the area. Are there a lot of young parents in the area? Will you be moving into more of a sleepy cul-de-sac? These types of questions will help you choose a neighborhood that best meets your needs.
2. Think About Your Commute
Where you choose to live can make a huge difference in your quality of life. If you want to live somewhere that allows for easy commuting, it might be wise to avoid rural areas or suburbs that are far from large employers. You should also consider transportation options before buying a home.
Are buses and subways available? How close is your nearest airport? Are highways nearby? Where are bike paths located? These details can play a role in how satisfied you are with your living situation.
3. Analyze Crime Statistics
To find an area with low crime rates, compare your city’s statistics to those of neighboring cities. For example, if you live in LA, you can look at crime statistics for Los Angeles, Compton, Inglewood, and Glendale to get a good idea of which neighborhoods are safe. If your city is larger, consider looking at statistics for individual zip codes to help narrow down your search area.
4. Consider Proximity to Nature
The location of your home can impact your day-to-day happiness. For example, recent studies show that people who live near parks, trees, mountains, or other green spaces tend to be happier than those who don’t. If you’re looking for a new place to call home, make sure your ideal neighborhood happens to be relatively close to nature.
5. Look at the Nearby Schools
If you have kids already or are planning to start a family soon, don't forget to look at nearby schools. Research the closest schools and rate them based on their grade as well as any reviews from parents online. Remember, where you choose to live will dramatically impact your children's quality of education, so choose wisely.
If you’re in the market to buy or rent a home, it can be difficult to find one that checks all your boxes. Keep these five ideas in mind as you look for the right place.
