By Katie Wainman | Januray 20, 2020

Thinking about packing up and moving away? Before you close your eyes and spin the globe to pick your next neighborhood, take a second to think about what you want and need in a community.

Affordability

it is no secret that the cost of living varies in neighborhood all across the nation. Gas can be 30 cents cheaper in a town 7 miles away from the one you're in. If you already know how much you can afford for a new home, then you can figure out what neighborhoods you can afford as well. Think about the cost in certain neighborhoods of daily necessities such as groceries and gas, but also speak to your Realtor® about long-term budget influences, such as taxes and property values.

Safety

The neighborhood that you choose could be where you stay forever. It is so important to do research into the safety of the community prior to purchasing a house there. If you can, go visit the neighborhood. Some red flags can include numerous houses for sale, poorly maintained properties and uninviting restaurants and shops. Also, make sure to look into the crime statistics in that area. Many statistics can be looked up online, but you can even call the local police department to as questions if necessary.

Schools

Don't keep scrolling at this part because you don't have children. Kids or no kids, the school systems in your potential neighborhood can affect you. Obviously if you have children, you will want to look into the schools that are offered in the district you would lie to move to.Consider private versus public school systems, and research the ratings of the schools. Even if you don't have children, the quality of schools in your neighborhood can directly affect the cost of your home. In short, the better the school systems, the higher value the homes in that neighborhood will have.

Amenities

Imagine that you finally bought your dream house, you move in, and then you realize that there is absolutely nothing to do in your area. If that's exactly what you wanted, great! If that happens to be your worst nightmare, you should have researched the amenities in your area prior to moving. Options of restaurants, bars, parks, museums, libraries, etc., can change a community. If you at least know what that areas has to offer, you can then choose to be in the middle of it all, on the outskirts, or as far away as possible.

For more advice during the buying/selling process, visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news.