About 23% of Americans regret something about their move, with almost half of them considering moving back.
Now, there are many reasons why people regret a move, and choosing the wrong location is one of them. Relocating is expensive, and one of the worst things that could happen is realizing that you don’t like your new neighborhood when you’re already in it.
Moving into new neighborhoods can be an amazing experience, but only if you find the right one. Whether you’re moving out of state, cities, and small towns, where you relocate will ultimately determine your new lifestyle.
If this is something you hadn’t given much thought to, here are factors to consider before choosing a neighborhood.
1. How Safe Is the Neighborhood?
Safety is by far the most important thing you have to consider, especially when it comes to neighborhoods for families.
You want to live in an area where you know your family is safe and you all have peace of mind. The first thing you have to look at is the crime rate of that area by checking out criminal reports on the city website.
What crimes are most popular in that area? Do you notice that they’re more domestic violence complaints, auto theft, drug activity, vandalism, or theft?
Check whether there’s a neighborhood watch established in the area by asking the local law enforcement or the area residents.
In addition to this, you should check street lighting availability as it can make you feel safer in the neighborhood. Check the availability of fire hydrants and the closest fire station in case of emergencies.
Of course, you should also follow your instinct after visiting the neighborhood and look for something else if it doesn’t feel right.
2. Your Proximity to a Pharmacy and Department Store
Some of life’s biggest necessities are food, toiletries, and medications, so you want to know if they are in close proximity.
Moving into new neighborhoods without the availability of the stores may be a total inconvenience to you. Of course, this would be a different case if you’re looking to move into a rural area.
Before you relocate, map out the nearest stores. If the stores are located on your way to work or school, then it’s something worth considering. However, if they’re not conveniently close and it’s important to you that they are, then reconsider your decisions.
3. Is It a Homeowners Association or Community
A lot of people who are not used to living in a homeowner’s association find the rules quite unnerving.
If it’s a homeowners association, then you may find they have rules and restrictions about pets, gardens, noise, and making modifications to the property without approval. You may find that parking an RV, boat, or truck is prohibited, and they have specifications about guest and street parking.
You could find that landscaping is not allowed, and neither is choosing your preferred exterior paint color.
If you’re okay with living in our homeowners’ association, make sure you read the governing documents before you make the purchase. Once you sign those papers, you’ll be bound by the agreement.
You’ll have to observe all rules and perform all your duties accordingly as a new owner. If you would rather have your own independence and have control of your property, then you may not fit well in a homeowners association. This is something you want to be sure of before you relocate.
4. Nearby Parks and Walking Paths
You may want to check whether there are any nearby parks or walking paths available. It’s advisable to take a drive around the area or go for a walk to take it all in. Check how pedestrian-friendly the sidewalks are and whether it’s a safe area for cyclists.
Is there a park close by, and what amenities does it have to offer? Would you envision yourself walking your pets in that park or relaxing on a picnic with your kids?
5. What’s Close to the Neighborhood?
Moving into new neighborhoods means that there’s a possibility you may find potential irritations in that area. Think in the lines of an airport, power plant, manufacturers, lumber mill, railroad, and the like. These will cause noise, water, and air pollution and serve as a total irritation to you.
When choosing your options for neighborhoods, think about all the things in that area that will affect your level of contentment in your new home.
If you would prefer a quiet, isolated space, then make sure the neighborhood offers you that. If you would like lots of activity and entertainment, especially if you have children and pets, then make sure it feels right to you.
Beyond these, it’s also important to check your proximity to services such as an auto repair shop, coffee shops, and restaurants. How close are you to the nearest hospital or clinic, and how good is the school district?
6. The Commute
Your commute to work or school every day is an important factor when relocating to a new neighborhood. If you want to have a short commute, then you want to make sure that there is moderate to no traffic in that area.
Checking the area before moving into new neighborhoods is even more important when you want to use public transport.
7. The Neighbors
The neighborhood you are moving into is just as important as the neighbors you’ll be living close to.
It may be difficult to get to know the new neighbors as you’re currently not living there. However, take your time to acquaint yourself with that area by driving through different times of the day and talking to the neighbors you find.
The best thing about this is that you’ll also know what goes on and what activities to expect during different times of the day. Try driving before and after school to judge what to expect when it comes to traffic conditions.
Check how well the streets and sidewalks are maintained to understand your neighbors and the standard of the area better.
Moving Into New Neighborhoods: Factors to Consider
Moving into new neighborhoods may be down there and exciting at the same time. However, by the end of it all, you want to live in a comfortable and convenient place for you and your family. Make sure it checks all the boxes and the most important things to you and that you will have no regrets upon moving.
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