5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Searching for the Right Neighborhood

1. Do You Prefer the City or the Suburbs?

Do you thrive in the hustle and bustle, or would you rather have peace and quiet? Remember, a home is a long-term investment—you may enjoy the nightlife now, but you might feel differently in a few years.

2. How Far Are You Willing to Commute?

If you don’t mind spending a couple hours in the car each day, you’ll have a wider range of neighborhoods to choose from. For many homeowners, however, a long drive to work every day is a deal breaker.

3. Do You Have or Plan to Have Kids?

If you have children, or plan to have them sometime soon, research schools in different areas to see which districts have the highest rankings. Even if you don’t have kids, living in a good school district can raise your home’s value.

4. Will This Neighborhood Be a Good Investment?

Some neighborhoods depreciate over time, while others give homeowners a massive return on investment. Take a look at the neighborhood’s appreciation of the last 10 years to get a feel for how things might be if you decide to sell in the future.

5. How Close is the Nearest Convenience Store?

This may not seem like a big deal right now, but when you’re driving 30 minutes away just to get a gallon of milk, you may wish you lived somewhere with a shop on the corner.

Choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as choosing the right house. If you have more questions about how to identify your ideal neighborhood, let your loan officer know.