Is a new home on the cards? You might be upsizing or downsizing. Perhaps you're moving to be closer to a partner, or to improve your job prospects? But whether you envision a peaceful countryside retreat or a vibrant urban city centre, choosing the ideal spot for your new home should be done carefully. It's easy to be won over by a beautiful house, but it's not just the house you need to consider but how the overall area and location fits into what you want. Here are a few things to think about.
Location Research and Evaluating Potential Areas
Before you start looking for your dream home, conduct thorough location research. This will help you to evaluate potential areas and narrow down your search to find the ideal fit. Consider the following factors when you're evaluating potential areas for your dream home:
Location: The location of your home holds significant importance. Think about the commute to work, proximity to schools, access to essential amenities like grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas.
Housing Market: Take the time to research the housing market in potential areas. Let’s say you’re interested in the suburbs of Huntsville, AL. Make sure you understand the average home prices, property taxes, and availability of homes that meet your criteria. By doing this, you can ensure your expectations are realistic when looking for properties in different areas.
Weather: If you're planning on moving further out then the climate of an area is something to think about as this can significantly impact your lifestyle and personal preferences. Research the weather patterns in potential areas to determine if they're in line with your ideal living conditions.
Cost of Living Considerations
Since we're in the midst of a cost of living crisis, it's more important than ever to consider the cost of living beyond just the home price. Additional expenses can significantly impact your monthly budget and overall financial well-being and these factors will vary between different neighbourhoods. Here are some of the key considerations:
Utilities: Research the average cost of utilities in the area, including electricity, water, and gas. Different regions may have varying costs, so it's crucial to factor them into your budget.
Transportation: Depending on your lifestyle and the area's infrastructure, transportation costs can vary. Evaluate expenses such as fuel, public transportation fares, parking fees, and maintenance costs.
Groceries: The cost of groceries can vary hugely depending on the location. Take into account the average prices of essential items make sure they fit within your budget. Consider the types of shops you can buy from- for example if you like to buy healthy food are there access to markets and organic shops? If you expect to live on a tight budget, are there cheap supermarkets nearby?
Entertainment and Recreation: Free recreation like parks, libraries and scenic spots will be essential if you plan on living frugally. It's also worth thinking about the cost of things like bars and restaurants, taxi services and more if these are things you use often. The cost of recreation will be hugely inflated if you move somewhere that's popular with tourists.
Healthcare: Research healthcare facilities, insurance options, and medical costs in the area. Are there clinics and good hospitals nearby? If you're planning on having a baby in the future, as there good maternity services? If you have a preexisting health condition, will you be able to get the right healthcare in the area you plan on moving to? These are all important things to think about.
Crime Rates and Public Safety
Safety is a top priority when selecting the location for your dream home. Evaluating crime rates and public safety measures is crucial to ensure peace of mind for you and your family. Consider the following tips:
Research Crime Statistics: Take the time to research crime statistics for the areas you're considering. This information is readily available online on sites like CheckmyStreet or through local police departments. It provides all kinds of insights into the safety of the community which might sway you away from, or towards some areas you'd been thinking about. Considering local crime rates and public safety measures will help ensure a secure and peaceful living environment for you and your loved ones.
Neighborhood Assessment: Take a walk around the neighbourhood you're planning on moving to and get a feel from it. Ideally, visit at different times of day and night to see if you can spot any issues. Perhaps nightclub noise is a problem at night, or maybe busy school drop of times are something that would annoy you long term. Check out things like litter, how safe the parks look and more.
Local Insights: Speak to residents who live in the area if you can ton get firsthand insights into their experiences with crime and public safety. Make conversation with shop keepers, dog walkers, even just people you're waiting with at the bus stop. They can provide valuable information beyond statistical data.
Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your gut feeling when it comes to safety. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Take your time, explore different locations, and find the ideal spot where you'll be truly happy in your new home.
