5 Things to Find Out About a Neighborhood Before You Buy
When looking for a new home, it can be tempting to focus only on the physical home rather than the neighborhood. However, it is important to research the neighborhood as well as it can impact resale, your lifestyle and overall enjoyment of a property. I've rounded up the top items to check out before you make a purchase below:
Schools – Schools are often one of the first factors considered when looking for a home. Even if you aren’t looking to have children or are an empty nester, school districts impact resale value. Greatschools.org and Nice.com provide reviews and insight into any schools in the U.S. School districts aren’t the end all be all, but for some, areas zoned for a particular school can make all the difference.
Commute - With traffic continuously increasing in Austin, commute time should be a factor you consider during your home search. While housing prices may be substantially less in suburban areas, calculate how long you will be in the car and evaluate if that is worth the savings. Even going short distances within the city can be a challenge, calculate commute time by checking drive time during rush hours.
Crime Rate – Naturally, buyers gravitate towards areas they feel safe. Property values can even correlate with crime rates. Check out crime statistics for the neighborhood and zip code along with the sex offender database. This can provide some peace of mind before deciding on an area.
Connect with Neighbors – Drive the area during different times of the day to get a general sense of the neighborhood vibe. If you see neighbors walking around, see if they can provide any insight. Realtors can also connect you with clients that have bought in the neighborhood. Chatting with the neighbors can give you the inside scoop and provide pros and cons for buying in the neighborhood.
Check Social Media – Connect with those who live in the area by following specific zip code or neighborhood hashtags. Neighbors will post about different events and amenities in the areas and will provide a grassroots perspective.
Austin offers a plethora of neighborhoods for any type of price point and lifestyle. Curious about the market or looking to make a move? Let’s connect!