Buying a new home is a major decision to make, and the search itself is a very involved process. When searching for the right home, you try to consider as much as possible so that your next home is a good fit for your current needs, while also continuing to work for you and your family in the future. One important aspect to consider is the location. For families, many are looking for a good school district in a safe community. Once you’ve found a few homes that meet your other requirements, consider these five factors that can help you find a great street you’ll be happy to call your own.
- Appearance is more than skin deep: When scouting a street, carefully analyze the look and atmosphere of the area. Is the roadway in good condition? Are there sidewalks? Are trees and other plants mature and well maintained? A well maintained, attractive street tends to be more desirable. The general appearance of a neighborhood can be a good indicator of the general health of a community.
- Pride of Ownership: Ask yourself one question- is this a neighborhood other people are proud to live in? Does pride of ownership show? Are homes, yards, and driveways well maintained? This can provide useful insight into the quality of your potential future neighbors. If curb appeal is important to you, a street where everyone pulls their part to create a welcoming, attractive environment might be in line with what you are looking for. The maintenance and cosmetic condition you can see while driving by often extends elsewhere into the home, as these owners are likely to stay on top of necessary repairs and updates- which can increase property values.
- Traffic and Noise: A home on a quiet cul-de-sac may be an obvious choice, as you can escape the hassle of traffic and minimize the number of passersby, but unfortunately most homes aren’t in a cul-de-sac! This is where you’ll want to visit a street on multiple occasions, on different days and at different times, to get a good feel of what a street is like. Some areas will deal with heavy vehicle or pedestrian traffic if it’s nearby to a shopping center or busy highway. Even if you can personally manage with additional noise and traffic, these could negatively affect the value of your property should you sell down the road.
- Nearby Amenities: Everyone can appreciate convenience. That’s why finding a street with a gas station, supermarket, or park nearby may make it more desirable. Consider the quality of these amenities, and the tradeoff with noise and traffic they’ll cause. Some people are willing to live with a downtown townhouse that’s close to popular destinations, while others will want a quiet lot in a residential area, far from the commotion of retail establishments.
- Safety: In the perfect world safety would not be an issue. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case as some streets are more prone to crime than others. The internet is a great resource in helping you find a neighborhood with a low crime rate where you’ll feel comfortable living and raising a family. Observe the drivers in the area: do they speed or drive erratically? Are nearby destinations hotspots for police interventions? Do your due diligence and thoroughly investigate an area before deciding whether or not it’s sufficiently safe.
Finding a home in the right community may seem challenging, but if you do the proper research, you may discover that many areas may meet your wants and needs without the exorbitant list prices of an idyllic, perfect-on-the-surface suburban street. A great street can dramatically add to the enjoyment of a home. As your real estate team, we can answer your questions about the characteristics of streets you’re considering and the surrounding area.
