BLOG post for this week: Finding the perfect home can be challenging, but deciding which neighbourhood to live in is perhaps even more important. After all, you’ll probably never love a home if you don’t like your community. Your location affects everything from affordability to your quality of life. A great neighbourhood maintains or raises your home’s value, making it easier to sell down the line. Here are some features to look for while searching for the ideal place to move.

Check out the area’s parks, and community centres
If you have or are planning to have children, living in an area known for its parks and community centres increases your property value. Having plenty of green space, playgrounds, and sports complexes for extra-curricular activities also boosts a home’s cachet.

Figure out your commute
Whether you’ll be driving to the office, cycling, or taking public transportation, you’ll want to be sure you’re not spending hours on the road twice a day or more if you and your family participate in sports or other activities. Do a trial run of your commute, or find out if you’ll be driving with or against traffic during peak hours. Choosing a home near a subway, bus stop, or commuter train station is smart.

Use your senses
Many homeowners opt to live on a quiet street as a respite from urban noise and traffic. Walk through the neighbourhood you’re considering and pay attention. Can you hear birds chirping, cars honking, and planes flying overhead? Are the homes well maintained and the streets well lit? Do the local shops and eateries seem like places you want to hang out? Take a deep breath: Do you smell any weird industrial odors? Be sure you can picture yourself living here.

Evaluate an area’s “walkability”
Getting in the car and driving 15 minutes when you run out of milk works for some folks, but not everyone. Want to be able to pick up some groceries on foot or hop on your bike to get your morning coffee? See if the home you’re looking at is located in a walkable neighbourhood.

See if your potential ‘hood offers cultural and outdoor options
Whether you love going to plays, movies, art galleries, or concerts or staying active by hiking, biking, or jogging, you’ll want these activities to be located close to your new home. If you have a dog, be sure there are plenty of dog runs or open areas nearby.

Talk to your REALTOR®️
Sometimes the best way to get the lay of the land is by chatting with people who can guide you. Feel free to ask me about the neighbourhood – where to shop or eat nearby.

Asking the right questions and evaluating all your options using the best resources will help you find your ideal community.

How is your research going so far into your neighbourhood search?