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How to Choose a New Neighbourhood
Established neighbourhoods tend to have their own personalities, mature trees and larger yards. Older building styles tended to lean toward higher, plaster ceilings, hardwood floors and decorative woodwork. Depending on the age of the home, it may require a little more maintenance.
Established neighbourhoods are usually closer to the city. Urban living usually puts you at the centre of the action. It offers a wide variety of amenities like shops, theatres and restaurants. It may be closer to your workplace. Of course, the drawback of an urban location could be a smaller, older or more expensive home. Look for schools, playgrounds, parks, etc.
Make sure there are no undesirable areas surrounding your neighbourhood such as a garbage dump, industrious buildings disposing bad odours, etc. The suburbs usually have the advantage of newer homes, and more square footage for the same price as an urban location, but may not have the other amenities as close as you'd like.
New neighbourhoods tend to have a noticeable lack of foliage and can look barren for years as the landscaping matures. If you purchase a home or condo before it is built, you will be able to take advantage of upgrades during construction, and when you move in you can decorate to your taste.
A new home or condo won't have the charm of an old one, but will have warranties covering most major components. Be careful in understanding what the warranty covers. New homes have some real disadvantages that most people don't think of until it's too late. It is important that the neighbourhood you choose to live in is well suited to you and your family. The following is a list of considerations and possible problem areas:
Environment - The quality of air, water and soil is a top concern as a polluted neighbourhood can be detrimental to both your health and property value. Ask your real estate agent, neighbours and local media about any known environmental issues in the area.
Appearance - The home or condo you are considering may be tidy and attractive inside and out, but how does it compare to the surrounding area? Explore the neighborhood, keeping an eye open for signs of neglect (overgrown lawns, houses in need of paint, trash and junked appliances littering streetscapes). No matter how diligent you are in the upkeep of your property, a run-down neighbourhood can drive your property value down.
Crime Rate - Check with the local police department to find out if the home you are considering is in a safe neighbourhood. Police may be able to provide statistics regarding break-ins and other crimes.
Schools - If you have children, the proximity and quality of schools is an important consideration. Talking to neighbours with school age children can be helpful. In some areas schools will provide data (such as average test scores) that can aid you in determining a school's quality.
Transportation - Convenient access to public transportation and/or major highways can mean the difference between a pleasurable and not-so-pleasurable commute to work.
Amenities - Amenities like a grocery store, parks, recreational facilities, post office, dry cleaner and a doctor's office can make life easier if they are located nearby.
Property Values - By researching the selling prices of homes in over the past decade or so, you may be able to predict future trends. Your real estate agent may be able to provide helpful data.
Utilities - Avoid unpleasant surprises by finding out what utility costs are before you decide to purchase. Fees for water, electricity, cable TV, phone and gas vary greatly by region. Don’t forget to find out what is included in your maintenance fees and what isn’t if you are buying a condo – sometimes the maintenance fees plus the regular utility costs can be a small fortune!
Noise and Nuisances - It can be hard to get an accurate impression of a neighbourhood in just one visit. Be sure to return to the neighbourhood at different times of the day and night. Listen for traffic noise, barking dogs, low-flying airplanes and any other noises that could bother you as a resident.
Choosing a neighbourhood is an important part of choosing a new home. You want to make certain you will like your new surroundings as much as your place. Moving into a new home or condo is a wonderful experience, just make sure you are ready for the new area and change of amenities.
It takes some getting used to when you move from the city to the country and vice-versa. Your conveniences change dramatically. Be prepared to accept changes of conversely, find a place that has the conveniences you are accustomed to. With your desired features chosen for your new neighbourhood, why not call us to find a home there?
We hope this is a bit of helpful information for you in your expanding knowledge of home buying. Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or are ready to embark on your home buying journey!