Step 18 of 48 Phase 3: House Hunt in Earnest
3.1 My Future Neighborhood
Your neighborhood shapes your daily life as much as your home itself. Take time to research and visit potential areas to ensure they match your lifestyle, commute needs, and long-term goals.
Key Questions to Consider
- How important are school districts to your decision?
- What is the maximum commute time you can tolerate daily?
- Do you need walkable access to shops, restaurants, or parks?
- What noise level is acceptable (busy road vs quiet street)?
- Are there specific amenities you need nearby (gym, grocery, transit)?
Pro Tips
- Use Walk Score and Bike Score to evaluate neighborhood walkability
- Check local crime maps and statistics from the police department
- Visit neighborhoods at different times - morning rush, evening, weekend
- Talk to potential neighbors about what they like and dislike
- Research future development plans that could affect the area
Neighborhood Evaluation Checklist
| Category | What to Check | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | Ratings, test scores, programs | GreatSchools.org, state DOE |
| Safety | Crime rates, police presence | Local police, CrimeMapping.com |
| Commute | Drive time, transit options | Google Maps at rush hour |
| Amenities | Shops, parks, restaurants | Walk Score, Yelp, Google Maps |
| Future Plans | Zoning, developments | City planning department |