5 Things to Look for in a Neighborhood

So much goes into buying a house, and it’s easy to put all the focus on finding the perfect home. But what about finding the right house in the right neighborhood? If you’re house-hunting, here are some family-friendly features you’ll want to look for!

Crime

Keeping yourself and your family safe is always going to be vital when searching for the right home. Get the scoop on crime rates in any given location by using online tools such as CrimeMapping.com or CommunityCrimeMap.com.

Schools

Whether you currently have children or plan on starting a family down the road, sending them to a good school is one of your top priorities as a parent. While looking at houses, you will also want to do your research on local school districts. Take time to visit the area schools in person, get a good first impression of the faculty, and learn about any extra-curricular activities that are offered.

Hospitals

Being prepared for a medical emergency is crucial, and it always helps to be within a close distance to an emergency room, urgent care facility or hospital. If an accident were to occur, you can get the expert medical help you need sooner rather than later.

Playgrounds

While you might be planning on having your own backyard playground, visiting local neighborhood playgrounds will give you and your family a chance to socialize with others in your community. Every neighborhood has something different to offer, so be sure to check out your options!

Culture

You can find a neighborhood with low crime rates, quality schools and popular amenities, but, if it’s not the culture that fits you, you’ll probably end up hating it. Finding your dream neighborhood isn’t just about the numbers and stats – it’s about how that area makes you feel. You won’t be happy in a neighborhood that doesn’t fit into your lifestyle, so find the right neighborhood culture first and everything else will fall into place.

Have you found the perfect neighborhood? Contact one of our mortgage experts today to get started on the process to owning your new home!