How to choose a neighborhood that is right for you

You probably know someone who loves the neighborhood where they live. They may have been drawn by the character of the houses, the accessibility to good schools, a walkable distance to parks and shops or any number of other factors. Not everyone wants or desires the same things when searching for a place to live. By doing the right research, you will be able to make an informed decision and pick the right neighborhood for you and your family.

Evaluate and prioritize when you pick a place to live

Narrowing down what is most important to you, your lifestyle and your family helps when evaluating where you want to live. Whether you are upsizing or downsizing, start by being specific and choosing what's most important to you and your family. Decide what factors are "must-haves" and which are "nice-to-have".

Think ahead about your housing decisions. Clarify your financial goals, anticipated life events, and plans. Consider how long you plan to live in the home and neighborhood you choose. Is it where you plan on living for several years down the road?

Questions to help you determine your priorities 

Whether you’re just beginning your research process or you have a specific home in mind, it can be hard to determine what matters most to you. Asking yourself these questions might help you decide your priorities and make sure the neighborhood you choose reflects them.

• Can I feel myself living here? What would my life look like?
• How close do I want to be to my family? Friends?
• How do I feel about the weather?
• Are there opportunities to participate in activities that align with my interests i.e. sports, arts, music, or nature?
• How long would I be comfortable commuting to work?
• Do I need to consider education options nearby?
• What are the nearby options for healthcare?
• Are there job opportunities?
• Do I need childcare nearby?
• What amenities do I want nearby? Coffee shops? Parks? Restaurants? Shops? Gym?

After you examine your specific priorities, you can focus on the factors that matter most to you and help you answer the potentially overwhelming: “where should I move?” question.

Research tips

Research is important and you should pay close attention to the neighborhood your potential home will be in. By learning how to research neighborhoods, you can help ensure that the neighborhood you choose aligns with your priorities.

• Consider using websites like niche.com to see rankings and data related to schools, crime, income, cost of living and other factors for different cities and neighborhoods.
• Explore community or city websites to get a full picture of the area and what local programming looks like.
• Spend time in the area. Take a drive through the neighborhood at various times of day to get a true sense of the community and consider stopping at a local park, coffee shop, or other amenities that you desire in your neighborhood.
• Evaluate housing costs in the areas that interest you. Perks such as walkability or a good school district may come with an increased cost of living.
• Talk to people who already live there to gain insight into what they like about the area. Consult friends, family, or internet forums to hear from real people living in the neighborhood.

Factors to consider when picking a place to live

Whether you want to rent or buy a place to live, there are a few common things people look for. After deciding your individual priorities, consider how these factors align with your neighborhood wants and needs. Here are a few things to consider before you make a decision that may help you with how to decide where to live.

Housing types, costs and property taxes

There are several types of homes you can rent or buy ranging from single-family to multi-family homes. Some styles include townhomes, apartments, condominiums, manufactured homes, one-story, multi-story and more. Understanding the costs, pros and cons of each is important in narrowing down your choices.

Size and style

Regardless of where you want to move, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and space available is usually important to most people. Thinking practically and narrowing down the style and size of home you want to live in helps.

Price and budget

Some neighborhoods and housing types will cost more than others. Carefully examine and set a price range and consider your housing budget. This will help narrow down your choices and help you avoid spending more than you can afford. Be sure to budget for housing association or condo fees, insurance and property tax expenses, if they apply.

Location and walkability

Location is generally a top consideration and is usually just as important as the home itself. Do your research and consider distance from work, schools, public parks and stores. Also, consider access to public transportation and commute time.

Pets

If you have pets, find out if the property you are looking at is pet friendly and allows pets. Some rental properties do not allow them or require a large deposit to keep them in your residence. There are also some pet restrictions and rules in some housing associations and condominium units. Further, consider green space available near your home depending on your pet’s needs. Be sure to research what the rules are so your pets are safe and comfortable in their new environment.

Schools

Evaluating and researching schools and districts in the neighborhood you are looking to live is important. Being in a good school district with strong public and private schools, even when you don't have children, will help with property values. If you do have children, this is an important aspect of selecting a place to live.

Crime and safety

Finding a safe neighborhood with low crime rates is important to most people. Research information about how to determine if a neighborhood is safe. Some neighborhoods have a neighborhood watch or social media network to help raise awareness and to report possible issues in an area. Look at the community or city government websites or call to see if they have crime statistics reported. Don’t be afraid to ask pointed questions about the area you are looking to reside in.

Proximity to work and amenities

Distance from your job and commute time may be a driving factor in finding a home. Other deciding factors include access to public transportation and proximity to people and places. Some people value and prioritize the proximity of stores, medical facilities, churches, parks, restaurants, cafes, sidewalks, trails and more.

Diversity

The value of a diverse neighborhood is important to many home buyers. Many neighborhoods are geared toward families, with lots of single-family houses. Others offer different housing types, attracting a mix of generations or people with common lifestyles or interests.

Healthcare options

Access to quality hospitals, doctors, and other practitioners may be a high priority if you require frequent doctor’s visits or medical care. Availability of heath related resources may be an important consideration for both convenience and sense of security.

Finding the perfect neighborhood for you means ranking all the factors, figuring out current and future goals and striking a balance. A State Farm® agent may be able to help you find the right insurance for your needs before and after your move.

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