Creating Community: How to Choose a Neighborhood That Feels Like Family

Picking the right place for your new home takes quite a bit of research.

Fortunately, the tools available to us all—thanks to the internet—can make this research much easier and more productive. The tried and true adage of “location, location, location” still holds true, and in this article, we’ll focus on one of the most important factors when looking: the neighborhood.

Moving somewhere new means joining a new community. Picking the right neighborhood can have the longest-lasting impact on your choice of home. Consider these factors as you evaluate the neighborhoods you have found in your desired city:

Online Search

Your first step will probably be to search the internet. Here are some things to guide your search:

Forums and Social Media

Some social media groups are open to the public. Joining these groups and forums can give you an idea of how neighbors interact with one another and how active they are in their community. Some of these also have room for newcomers to ask questions. It can also show you the kind of initiatives the neighbors are interested in.

School Ratings

If you have children, take advantage of the local school’s website and other resources to gauge the kinds of schools nearby. Review their academic performance and ratings and consider what the locals say about their experience.

Crime Stats

Modern technology lets anyone review criminal activity and its impact in any given area. While this can’t guarantee complete safety because that is the result of constant behaviors, it can give you an overall idea of how well-protected the area is and how safe people feel at home and outside.

Swing By

If possible, pay a visit to the neighborhood. Going there physically can help you get a better idea of the data you gathered while researching online. It can give you a glimpse of the layout and how walkable or well-connected it is. It is also a great opportunity to view the community’s amenities for yourself and evaluate whether they are relevant to your needs and how well the community takes care of them.

Talk to the Locals

Chat with residents, business owners, and workers in the area to gauge their perspective on the community. Is anyone moving out? Why? Find out how the community reacts under pressure and how often it comes together to help each other out. Some communities are more tightly knit than others, but a distant community isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Evaluate the Demographics

As you contact the community and explore the data, you will get a clear idea of its demographics. Every neighborhood is unique, and many of them find ways to mix and match different kinds of people.

Joining a new community can be exciting, especially if you know what you’re getting into. As you evaluate neighborhoods, remember that they should be the right fit for you, your expectations, and the kind of dynamics that you want in your new home. Click here to talk to a Landmark Community Specialist and find the right neighborhood for you.