Are you ready to purchase a new home? You’ve probably already started picturing it and making a list of your must-haves. But as important as the house itself is, you also have to pay careful attention to the neighborhood.
Start by considering your neighborhood must-haves. Are you looking for a tight-knit community or neighbors who prefer to keep to themselves? Do you want a historic home or would you prefer something newer, even a new build? Whatever your preferences are, there’s a neighborhood in the Valley that's surely right for you.
Picture Your Ideal Neighborhood
Imagine your day-to-day life in and out of your home. Do you buy a coffee every morning, enjoy a quiet evening in your yard, or commute to work? Picture all of the things you do over the week, and consider:
Noise level—would you prefer a quiet, peaceful neighborhood away from busy roads, or does noise not bother you?
School district—if you have children, you probably want a highly rated school district, but even if you don’t have kids, keep in mind that good school districts can raise property values.
Proximity to amenities—how close do you want to be to shopping centers, restaurants, grocery stores, parks, and community centers?
Community—do you want neighbors you can invite over for dinner or those you just wave to as you go by?
Type of home—are you looking for a single-family home, a townhouse, or an apartment? Would you prefer a large yard or little outdoor maintenance?
Ask Your Realtor
Once you know what kind of neighborhood you want, talk to your Realtor. While you could do research on your own first, you can save yourself some time by asking a Real Estate specialist first.
I am happy to be your neighborhood expert and can show you the right neighborhoods for you that are within your budget.
As an Arizona native and seasoned real estate professional, I know the Phoenix market inside and out and would be happy to guide you to your perfect Valley neighborhood.
Research Your Prospective Areas
Now that you have some neighborhoods in mind, you can do a little more research. Check out my Valley neighborhood guide for a comprehensive overview of each of the wonderful neighborhoods available to you.
You can also search for local online communities, like Facebook groups, to see what the people who actually live there say about it. You can also find more information about school districts, crime rates, and the community’s demographics online.
When you tour a house, tour the neighborhood too. Think about your first impression of the neighborhood when you arrive. After you see the house, walk down the street and, if possible, talk to the neighbors. Note what you see. For example, do you see lots of for sale signs or vacant buildings or lots? Those things can impact the future of the neighborhood.
If you’ll be commuting to work, you may want to check out your route during rush hour, either by driving it or mapping it online.
Location, Location, Location!
Your neighborhood can be just as important as your new home. While you can change or upgrade a house, you can’t change its location. If you want some recommendations on the best neighborhoods for you, please reach out to me today!
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