When you buy a new home, you also buy into a new neighborhood. There are plenty of desirable places to live in the Chicagoland area (in fact, we build in some of the most popular neighborhoods) but how do you narrow down the options for your family? Read on for tips on how you can choose the right neighborhood for your family.
Each family will be attracted to different neighborhood qualities. Whether you are a single buyer, newlyweds, a family with young kids or empty-nesters, it’s important to take time to determine what attributes you need and want in your new neighborhood. Some things that should be considered include:
- What do you like in your current neighborhood? Are there any qualities its lacking?
- What is your lifestyle like?
- How far are you willing to commute for work or school?
- What’s the distance to desired amenities? Is it walkable?
- If you have children, or would like to have children, do you have a desired school district you’d like to live within?
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of prospective neighborhoods, we recommend visiting them in person to gain a better feel for the neighborhood’s character. If possible, try to visit at different times throughout the week, including evenings and weekends. This will allow you to experience the true personality of each neighborhood and understand how your life will be if you live there.
If you’re unable to make a trip, the Internet is a great resource for gaining insight into your desired neighborhoods.
It takes some legwork but doing this due diligence before getting the keys to your new home will increase the likelihood that you’ll love your new neighborhood as much as you love your new home.
