9 Ingredients of a Great Neighborhood, Ranked
You have investigated the neighborhoods by checking out the schools and looking into the crime statistics. You have made three trips to the potential location of your new home in order to make certain that the neighbors maintain their properties, that there isn’t a large number of strange people loitering around at all hours, and that there are no “gyms” for Pokemon Go in the immediate area.
You are aware that this is a desirable community, right? But will you enjoy it?
The truth of the matter is that there is a great deal more to a neighbourhood than simply having decent schools and considerate neighbours. Amenities are essential in order to develop genuine affection for one’s abode. I’m sorry, but which ones?
10 out of 10 according to the Parks Experts.
A Realtor® with Jim Talbot Real Estate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana named Darbi McGlone puts a position near a decent neighbourhood park at the very top of his rankings. After all, who wouldn’t want a close green space where they can take their children on a brisk fall day? However, a word of warning: the quality of parks varies greatly. Living near a scummy or dodgy park? That’s not very cool.
“Get a feel for the area and make sure you’re alert at all times,” advises McGlone. If there is no one at the park on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, that should be a clear indication that the community does not place a high value on it; perhaps you will not either.
Dog parks Experts’ rank: 8/10 (if you’re a dog owner)
“[My husband and I] have discussed moving, but I am hesitating because they do not yet have any dog parks in the region,” McGlone adds. “I am concerned because of this.” They are not alone; dog parks and play areas are key considerations for a much larger number of buyers than you might assume.
Make sure that the area you choose to use for your pet is appropriately designated as a dog park in order to provide your dog with the necessary room for engaging in some much-needed vigorous activity. Pay a visit to the location, and while you’re there, check to see if there is sufficient fencing, dog waste bag stations, and drink stations. Watch out for other pets and their owners as well. If it’s just a random patch of grass, you won’t have any use for it at any point.
Experts’ rating: 8 out of 10 for supermarkets
It is essential for, well, pretty much everyone, to have a grocery store in the immediate area. Don’t rely on just seeing a store while you drive by; instead, walk inside and look around. Of course, the vast majority of us have a love-hate connection with certain supermarkets. Even within the same chain, grocery stores have a lot of variety, and you might not like this particular one.
However, any grocery store is a wonderful thing, especially when you want to sell your house in the future, says Chandler Crouch, broker with Chandler Crouch Realtors in Fort Worth, Texas. Chandler Crouch Realtors is located in the city of Fort Worth. If a new grocery store has recently opened in your neighbourhood, that is a pretty solid indication that the neighbourhood is growing, which may also indicate that your property values will grow in the near future.
Local eateries Experts’ rank: 8/10
If there isn’t a good restaurant in the area, you’ll find yourself ordering pizza over and over and over again—basically any time you don’t feel like making a meal from scratch. Check online review sites like Yelp to check if other customers are satisfied with the cuisine, and use the internet to research the restaurant’s menu (along with its prices). Nothing matches the convenience of having a nice and reasonably priced establishment right around the corner. If it’s not pizza, you get extra points.
Experts’ rating: 8 out of 10 for mature trees and nature
The presence of large trees and rich landscaping may help to provide some tranquilly (and much-needed shade for your home during the summer). Be warned, however, that in order to enjoy the advantages of complete landscaping, you will most likely have to transfer your attention to more mature and well-established areas.
It is important to keep in mind the following, as stated by Crouch: “If you’re relocating to an area that is in development or the builder is still building, some of those mature trees could get cut down to make room for that.”
7 out of 10 according to Library Experts
Even though it’s wonderful to be able to come in and browse anytime you want, libraries offer so much more than just a place to keep books. On the way back to your house, you can pick up a movie that you rented from a local library. In addition, the majority of libraries also offer programmes for children that are either free of charge or offered at a reduced price. If you see a library in the area, go in there and have a look around. You also do not need a library card in order to browse the collection. (When was the last time you were actually inside of a library, by the way?)
Experts’ rating: 5/10 for the community pool
A community pool is an excellent choice to consider if you want access to a pool but do not intend to build one for your own residence. However, similar to other types of amenities, not all swimming pools are made equal. Since it is quite unlikely that you will be permitted access to a community pool unless you are a resident of the area, the next best thing you can do is to inquire about the viewpoints of some of the locals.
According to Morgan Franklin, a real estate agent working with United Real Estate Lexington in Lexington, Kentucky, “most of the time they will go out of their way to tell you everything they know.” “It’s a fantastic opportunity to build your reputation.”
The opinion of coffee shop experts: 5/10
Don’t like the java at the office? Not only will having a local place provide you with a great spot to hang out, but it will also allow you to grab a cup of coffee on the way to work without causing you to be late. However, you shouldn’t choose just any old coffee establishment.
According to Crouch, “in most cases, a Starbucks or a local gourmet coffee shop will be located in an upscale neighborhoods that has better property values, whereas franchises like Dunkin’ Donuts or Waffle House tend to come up in districts that are more economically disadvantaged.”
If you want to sale your house at a higher price in the future, it is recommended that you make your purchase in close proximity to upscale local establishments.
Farmers market Experts’ rank: 4/10
If you already have a grocery store in the area, this one isn’t a deal breaker, but attending a weekly farmer’s market is an easy and convenient method to save money on food that is obtained locally. In addition, they are enjoyable to stroll around and offer a fantastic opportunity to get to know both your neighbors and the local business owners.
“Typically, communities that have a farmers market also have a wonderful sense of community, where neighbors prefer to spend time together,” says Crouch. “Farmers markets are a great way to bring people together.” Are you sure there isn’t already one in the neighbourhood? The USDA maintains a database that contains information about farmers markets across the country. The potential drawback is that there are typically a lot of people there. Investigate the amount of foot and vehicular traffic that is close by, and balance the benefits and drawbacks of the situation.
How to reach a middle ground
You might not be able to acquire everything in every area that you prefer, but you can get all that you require. If you discover a community that has everything you want, please let us know about it. To begin, omit the aspects of the situation that are beyond your control, such as the elements of nature.
From there, eliminate anything from your list that you won’t use at least once per week and continue doing so until you reach the items on your must-have list. However, you shouldn’t be cheap about everything.
According to McGlone, “I think buyers focus on the home itself as well as the general location first, and then safety.” “When it comes to the characteristics of the surrounding area, I don’t hear as many people asking these kinds of questions as I feel like I should,” the speaker said.
Therefore, you should do yourself a favor and inquire about things of this nature. After all, you’re the one who plans to call that place home.
