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Choose a Neighborhood |
Choose a Neighborhood
When you can tell the difference between your housing
wants and needs, you'll probably have an easier time
deciding what you want and need from a neighborhood.
Where you live is as important as the house you live in.
You may already have a good idea about the neighborhood
you would like to live in. Don't let that keep you from
looking at other neighborhoods with similar qualities.
You might not be giving another area a chance - and you
might be passing up your dream house.
Ask yourself these questions about neighborhoods:
Personal Questions
- How long will it take to get to work? What will
it cost?
- Is this country, suburban, or urban living?
- How far will you be from family members?
- How far will you be from religious activities,
night school, or other regular activities?
- Are there any homeowners' association fees?
- Are there any homeowners' association rules or
restrictions?
- Can you afford the county and/or city taxes?
Neighborhood-Specific Questions
- What are the schools, hospitals, and other
public services like? How close are they?
- Is it an older, established neighborhood or a
younger, still growing community?
- Are there signs of new construction in the area?
- What will this neighborhood look like in 10
years?
- What are the values of other homes in the
neighborhood?
- If there are nearby restaurants and other
businesses, do they bring people out during the day,
or at night?
- What's the traffic like during the week? In the
evenings? On weekends?
Is the empty lot behind the house going to be
developed?
- Are there plans for a mega-mall or sports
facility nearby?
- Are there mass-transit options within walking
distance?
- If you like a neighborhood, talk to people who
live there. They'll be the most knowledgeable about
the area and may be your future neighbors.
Where should you look for additional neighborhood
and community information?
- Local newspapers and radio stations
- Local school districts, school boards and county
websites for school information
- Neighborhood or homeowners' associations
- Real estate professionals
- Local organizations like the local Chamber of
Commerce
- Local businesses
- Public libraries
- Local police departments
- The Internet
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