Did you just land your dream job, but it is located in a city you have never been to or know nothing about? Are you getting bored with your life and the same views day in and day out and you just need something different? Moving to a new city can provide a new adventure and spice up your life, but it is important to know what you are getting into to ensure your adventure doesn’t later become a regret. There are a lot of things that need to be considered before picking the perfect neighborhood to buy your home to make sure you feel like you fit right in to the place you will be calling home.
New Neighborhood Checklist:
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Cost of Living – People tend to head towards the familiar, when moving to a new city, the familiar may also be the most expensive. Bigger and more popular cities tend to have a much higher cost of living and things you may overlook now may cause a burden on your budget you aren’t ready for. Cost of living affects gas prices, grocery costs, parking costs, even your weekly manicure. Make sure to have a clear budget factoring in the cost of living in the potential new neighborhood to make sure they are in line.
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Weather – The weather in your new neighborhood can make a difference on whether you fall in love or want to find another new place to live. Think about what you love and hate about your current weather and see how the new city compares. Take a look at average highs and lows during the winter months, if you are looking for a warmer climate pick somewhere that has temperatures reflecting your desire. Maybe you love snow? Check out the average snowfall in your potential new neighborhood, so you won’t be disappointed if you don’t get the white Christmas you look forward to every year.
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Crime Rate – Feeling safe is a huge factor in being comfortable at home. The amount of crime can change drastically from neighborhood to neighborhood. When you are looking for a home be sure to check out the crime rate in the specific part of town you are planning to move to.
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The Commute – Running to the grocery store or the bank is a luxury some neighborhoods don’t have. If you are always taking trips to the pharmacy or need a coffee on your way to work in the morning, you will want to look into an area close by your go-to spots.
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Things to Do – Your hobbies are important! If you usually can be found at a bowling alley Friday nights, make sure your home has one nearby. Nature lover? Check out the parks your new neighborhood has to offer to make sure you get to continue your outdoor adventures. Look for the things you love to do so you can make sure whatever you enjoy is close enough to continue being a big part of your life.
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Schools – Whether you currently have children or plan to have them in the future, have a look at the city’s educational system. Do the schools rank well on graduation rates and college attendance? Are there a variety of options, including both charter and private schools? Does the city fund their schools adequately, and are there after-school offerings that interest you? Are the schools reputable for their safety? Also take a look at higher education opportunities. Proximity to universities and colleges will mean access to all of their associated cultural and educational events, as well as preparatory classes for older children.
Moving to a new home and a new neighborhood can be stressful. So. Many. Decisions. It get hard to navigate on your own. Hiring a realtor you can trust can take away a lot of the stress that comes along with relocating. They know the market and they know what to look for. You probably already have a wish list for the home itself, but using this checklist you can help to make sure the place you land is somewhere you are happy to call home for years to come.