How to Choose the Right Neighborhood to Buy a Home

When most of us shop for a new home, affordability is at the top of our “important requirements” list. While this is clearly an important factor, finding the right neighborhood involves a slew of other considerations. Here are some of the factors to think about before settling on your new location.

Cost

Your income, credit scores and debt combine with the down payment, mortgage term, interest rate and current real estate market to determine how much house you can afford. Property taxes also have an effect on housing cost by neighborhood so be sure to investigate if the area is getting a steal or getting the short end of the stick when it comes to return on tax dollars. (You can also check your credit scores for free on Credit.com to get an idea of where you stand before you begin your search.)

Proximity to Schools

Even if you do not have children, proximity to good public schools instantly adds value to your neighborhood and property, which can be crucial when it comes time to sell the home. Be sure to look into the public and private education in your area and calculate the costs and convenience factors of each if you do have children.

Safety

Understanding the crime rate in your neighborhood is an important step to making the decision of where to live. It’s important to take into account the violent and property crime numbers and how they compare to other neighborhoods you are considering.

Demographics and Growth

Diversity, population and neighborhood characteristics are all important aspects that make a big difference on a neighborhood. Investigate how the neighborhood has grown in recent years, who lives there, and how many people to do determine if it is somewhere you would fit in or stand out.

Access

When picking your next home, it’s a good idea to think about the places you visit frequently and how close or far away they will be. From grocery stores and pharmacies to banks, laundromats and gyms, evaluate whether the options around your potential dwelling include what you need or like at a reasonable cost. You may want to try out your commute as it can greatly impact your quality of life.

Finding the right neighborhood for you and your wallet is a personal experience. While it may not always be foolproof, it’s a good idea to research the above factors for a potential home before signing on the dotted line!