Choosing the neighborhood

It has been said that if a home is like a spouse then a neighborhood is like an extended family, except while it is perfectly possible to love your partner but dread holidays with the in-laws, it is far less likely that you can fully love your house if you dislike your neighborhood. Because of this, it is important to give vicinity fair consideration when making such an important purchase. This blog post offers some useful advice on how to select the right neighborhood.

 

Step 1: What matters most?

Before you start drafting endless lists of pros and cons, you first need to decide on your own needs. Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself:

⦁ Do you have (or want in the near future) young children?

If so, you might want to consider nearby schools, kid-friendly amenities, proximity to necessities, crime statistics, etc.   

⦁ What is your current community lacking?

If you wish you lived in walking distance of your favorite places (parks, transit access, Tim Hortons, whatever – no judgement here!), put that high on the want list. On the other hand, if the noise from busy main streets is currently doing a number on your sanity, you may appreciate what a suburban cul-de-sac can offer.

⦁ How much of a commute can you handle? 

Whether you prefer to walk, cycle, drive, or use transit to get to work and other places your frequent, it is important to decide how much of a commute you can handle daily.

⦁ What is your budget?

Like in most cities in Canada, Calgary has some communities known to be far pricier than others, which is why it is important to keep budget in mind when considering one’s options. 

 

Step 2: Narrow down your options

If you are making a local move, you may probably already have an idea about which communities might suit your needs. However, if you are moving to a new city, you may need to do some research. The internet can be a strong ally! Community message boards can offer insights into the experiences of others, while city, provincial, and national statistical data can help you pinpoint the areas with the best schools, lowest crime, and greatest access to city treasures. 

Step 3: Evaluate the shortlist

Once you have narrowed down your options to a few promising candidates, you should analyze the remaining options using your established criteria. Worth mentioning, some people like to spend some time in the communities they are most interested in in an effort to get a feel for the community vibe. Chat with the locals, be observant of traffic patterns, and pay attention to the factors that align with your idea of a great community.

 

Buying a home is an exciting time, but it is important to make the right decisions early on so that you can truly enjoy your home for years to come. Hopefully, you have found this article informative.