Whether you’re moving to a new state or a new neighborhood, it’s crucial to do some research on your potential home locations. Of course, your real estate agent is a great resource for information about neighborhoods, but it’s important for you to take some time and get to know the area. Here are some quick ways to dig deep into a potential neighborhood.
#1. Decide if walkability is important to you
Do you prefer jumping in the car for errands, or would you rather take a walk? Or maybe you like to stroll to dinner instead of driving? Thinking about your ideal lifestyle and what you want out of a neighborhood can really help you focus and narrow down your locations. You can find various walk score options online, but one of the easiest ways to check this out is by searching on Google Maps. You can get a great birdseye view of the neighborhood and see how close local shops and restaurants are in proximity to the house.
#2. Learn more about school districts in the area
If you have kids now (or think you might want some in the future), it’s always smart to learn more about the school district in your target neighborhoods. If you are looking for a home in Colorado, check out the Great Schools tool for ratings, reviews, and more details about schools in Colorado.
#3. Visit the neighborhood at various times
When you are seriously considering a home, don’t just stop by the neighborhood for your showing and inspection. Take some time to visit the neighborhood on the weekends or in the evening so you can get a feel for noise levels and other possible considerations. Maybe the morning traffic noise is louder than you realized! Or, even better, maybe you’ll get to see how the neighbors and community interact, so you can picture yourself right at home in a fantastic neighborhood.
#4. Do some research on crime statistics
Crime is not a fun thing to think about when you want to buy a home, but learning more about what happens in the neighborhood is a necessary part of understanding where you’re going to live. You can use a quick search tool like Spot Crime for an overview of crime report information. While it’s important to look at this information, crime statistics are just a small piece of a neighborhood’s story. Talk to your real estate agent if you have major concerns - they can help you dig a little deeper.
#5. Chat with the neighbors
If you are visiting the house or the neighborhood, take a moment to stop and talk with people in the community. Ask them their favorite things about the area, and things they would like to change. After all, if you buy the home, you’ll be part of the community too! It’s always helpful to get a feel for your possible neighbors before you move in.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, or you’re just curious about a neighborhood, get in touch with me at 8Z Real Estate! I would love to have a conversation about your home goals.