There are many factors when selecting the neighborhood that is right for you. Below are just a few of the many -- You may think of others that are important to you. Please write them on your home search criteria form so they are not forgotten!

Neighborhoods have characteristic personalities designed to best suit single people, growing families, two-career couples or retirees. Investigate to determine if the neighborhood matches your lifestyle and personality.

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Scout the neighborhood

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It is important that you drive around the neighborhood in person. You live in more than your home.

Talk to people who live there, your potential neighbors.

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Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week and on weekends.

 

Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained. Do the homes need paint? Are the yards well cared for? Are the parked cars in good condition? Does this look like a neighborhood you would want to live in?

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Facts to consider

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Look for things like access to major highways and shopping.

Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, highways, public areas, schools, etc.

Smell the air for adjacent commerce or agriculture.

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Check with local civic, police, fire and school officials to find information about the area.

 

Research things like expansive soils and water restrictions.

 

Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work.

 

Is the neighborhood near parks, churches, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.

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Does the neighborhood belong to a Homeowners Association? What are the monthly/yearly fees? What do they cover?

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Are there covenants? Do you want to live in a neighborhood with covenants (increased value vs. restrictions on what you can or can’t do. Covenants also restrict what your neighbor can do.)