While it is important to find a house that suits your family, it is equally important to choose a neighborhood that will fit your needs and lifestyle. If you are new to town, picking the right neighborhood can often feel overwhelming. And with rising home prices, even well-established residents may find themselves riddled with insecurities when it comes time to buy a property.
To help ensure you choose the neighborhood that best fits the needs of you and your family, you should prepare and research every possible aspect of the neighborhoods you are considering. While financial constraints may price some folks out of certain neighborhoods, there are other pivotal factors beyond budget to account for when searching for the right one.
Look & Feel – Do you prefer a historic neighborhood with large mature trees, or a developing neighborhood full of new construction? What kind of architecture appeals to you?
Lifestyle – Look at your daily habits and interests to make sure that the neighborhood will accommodate them. Some neighborhoods cater to those who love the outdoors and offer amenities like swimming pools, tennis clubs, golf courses, and walking trails. Another important factor may be the proximity to stores and dining.
Children – For homebuyers with children, great schools are a crucial factor in choosing a neighborhood. To see how schools in a particular area rank, use a tool like School Digger. Additionally, having parks and child-friendly activities nearby is key. Drive around the neighborhood at various times to determine if there are children playing outside, which will help you know if the community is ‘family friendly.’
Commute – Check your commute time from the neighborhood during rush hour or use an app like Waze to calculate the time it will take you to drive to work. If you won’t be driving, check the public transportation systems and schedules in your area.
Culture – Are you looking to become involved in a homeowners association and participate in activities with neighbors? Some neighborhoods have a large sense of community while others are more private, so be sure to investigate if the neighborhood will fit in with your expectations.
Once you have found a neighborhood that will be a good fit for you and your family, make sure that you do your research on the crime statistics, property taxes, and plans for future development in the area so there are no surprises. It is also an excellent idea to visit the neighborhood at different times of the day to observe traffic, noise, and surroundings.
Are you interested in purchasing a home in Fort Lauderdale or the surrounding South Florida area? Call Fairway Fort Lauderdale today! We would love to help!
