San Diego real estate blog - Peter Toner

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CHOOSING A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD

When you purchase a new home, not only are you investing in the home but also in your new neighborhood.

Neighborhood identities may be an important factor in property values. These days there are many kinds of neighborhoods some being; planned communities with strictly controlled architecture, mature neighborhood such as in rural towns with tree-lined streets, larger towns have older neighborhoods with tremendous ethnic history that greatly help to shape its character. It’s important to know the history of a neighborhood and the future of it before you decide to buy.

Some things to take into consideration when deciding on a new neighborhood;

Have a look online (see below) or ask your Realtor for information and statistics regarding crime, school scores and demographic information.

Check with City Hall regarding upcoming plans for your community. If you are buying in a rural neighborhood – ensure that it is going to stay that way!!! Large planning projects and road construction are usually planned many years in advance.

If you are unable to examine a neighborhood before you make an offer, include an inspection contingency that covers both the house and the neighborhood.

Research the ‘Resale Potential’ ~ the quality of the neighborhood will be an important factor when you come to sell the home one day.

When looking at a new neighborhood, try visiting the area on different days of the week and at different times of the day. This will help to give you a good indication of the activity levels along with traffic conditions. Talk to neighbors and visit the local schools and community centers. If public transportation is an important factor for you ~ try it out!!!!

Take the bus to and from the area to see the different routes in and out of the neighborhood. Look for signs that the area is an up and coming one!

Look for new developments. New shopping centers, malls and theaters.

Once you have moved…. become an active member in your community. Do all that you can to make it a better place for you and all of your neighbors to live. Click here to research San Diego neighborhoods online