5 Not-So-Obvious things to look for in your new neighborhood

There are very few things that are more stressful than finding the perfect home. But what’s even more crucial is what’s around your home – your new neighborhood. Now, you know the basics, good schools, less commute time, affordability, etc. But there are a bunch of other things that we tend to overlook because of how overwhelming the home buying process is.

Have you been out hunting for your new neighborhood and could use some help? Here’s a fantastic little list that you can carry along the next time you are driving to a new locale. After all, there’s no point in falling in love with a home in an enclave you can’t stand.

Sidewalks

You have to agree that most people don’t even think about sidewalks when they’re looking for the right neighborhood. But you should! Sidewalks or footpaths say a lot about a community. If the neighborhood you’re looking to move to has good sidewalks, it means there are places within walking distance that you can visit, which makes for an active and convenient lifestyle.

Not only that but sidewalks also make your neighborhood safer since you’re less likely to be hit by a car when walking to the corner café or the grocery store. This becomes a very important factor if you have children or pets. Not to mention footpaths wide enough for outdoor restaurants, benches and strolling give the place a neighborly feel.

Annoying sounds and smells

Here’s a pro tip – visit your desired neighborhood at several different times of the day before making a decision to listen to and, believe it or not, smell what’s going on there. An area might look perfect on paper, but when you visit you might realize that your new nest is surrounded by bothersome noises from train tracks or air traffic.

And while you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget to take a good whiff of the surroundings as well. Sewage issues, a stagnant lake or even the corner butcher shop can create odors that likely won’t go away after you move in.

Activities and amenities

Whether you are a retired couple, a family with young kids, or a single hustler, local amenities are important where you live. Make sure your new residence has amenities that fit the puzzle of your lifestyle. As a family, you might be interested in a community with open green spaces, swimming pool, children’s play area etc.

As a young single person with a fur companion, you might want a dog park or bike trails within walking distance, plus an active social life scene with bars and restaurants close by. You might not get everything you’re looking for, but just make sure the amenities most important to you are convenient.

Greenery

Is there any green cover within the residential property that you are looking at? The trees and walkway plants may seem like mere decorations and you might not even notice them, but they are imperative to your health. You not only get clean air and a soothing breeze but they also take care of your mental health.

A walk in the woods or a stroll down a tree-lined path has been known to alleviate stress and increase a sense of wellbeing. So, make sure you’re planning to buy your new home in the leafier side of the town for the sake of your overall health.

A place to exercise

It’s easy to come up with excuses for working out if you have to drive at least 10 minutes to do it. Working out in the open is fantastic and what’s even better is to be able to decide that you want to go for a run and just go do it.

In fact, it’s a lot easier to convince yourself to get up and go to the gym if it’s within your residential community. And if gyms or walks aren’t your thing then you should look for any tennis, badminton, basketball courts where you could get a quick game at least on the weekends. Fitness matters.

Final thought

To find the perfect house, you first need to find the best neighborhood. An area that has all your must-have amenities, aligns with your cultural values, isn’t too far away from your workplace, and is safe for your family. So, it’s only fair if you take your time searching for your new surroundings. Read up on our compact guide on what all to look for in a new neighborhood and make an informed decision. Visit www.sterlingdevelopers.com to find homes that meet all your needs.