How to Evaluate a Neighborhood

How to Evaluate a Neighborhood
Here are some tips on how to evaluate a neighborhood well!

1. Drive Around

  • Does it look like a place you’d like to live?
  • Is it near places you’d like to go?
  • Is it too near places you’d like to avoid?
  • What will it be like at commuting times?
  • What is it like at night?
2. Quality of Schools

  • What is average school performance?
  • Average test scores?
  • College bound percentages?
  • Spending per student?
  • State rankings?
  • Financial position?
3. Education/ Income Profile

  • Average household income in the area?
  • Education level of most people in the neighborhood?
  • Types of occupations other owners have nearby?
  • Are there families with kids or people who are retired?
4. Cultural Amenities

  • Proximity to museums, galleries, universities, seasonal entertainment, theaters, etc.
  • Even if you don’t frequent them, they set the tone for the area.
5. Property Values

  • Steady or increasing values generally mean that your investment is sound.
  • It is almost always best to buy the smallest, least expensive home in the best neighborhood you can afford.
6. Future Growth

  • If you are not planning on staying in your new home for a number of years, an abundance of new construction could affect resale.
  • The existence of higher-end properties could increase the value of yours.
I hope these steps for how to evaluate a neighborhood were useful!
 
Here are some more helpful moving tips:

Dealing With Financing

Look Who’s Buying

Great Tips for Relocation

Home Buying Checklist

5 Tips for Buying a Home
 
Always seek the assistance of a real estate professional for your neighborhood evaluation! 

Thinking about making a move? Contact Natalie today, 949.929.5727.

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