How to Decide Where to Live

 

Choosing where to live is just as important as choosing the house itself. While you can renovate a kitchen or update flooring, you can't change your home's location. 

That’s why considering the neighborhood is very important. You should always choose the location, even if the house is small, rather than choosing a big house that is in an undesirable location.

In this blog we will help you with your decision in choosing your next home.

Know What You Want You Want First

Before we dig deeper into the things you need to know before choosing a home, the first box we should check first is to know what you want.

 

The things we will uncover would be a waste if they contradict what you want rather than the general things a person should know before buying their next home.

 

The first thing you should always consider is what stage of your life you are in. If you are someone at the stage of still meeting new people and making friends.

 

That is, of course, if you are an extrovert, but what about if you are an introvert who does not want to meet a lot of people? What if you are someone who likes to take things slow?

Another thing you should consider is if you are starting a new family. This where you take into account the needs of others instead of trying to find out what you want for yourself.

 

Do you like a quiet neighborhood, or wouldn’t you mind a noisy one? Your personality will be the prime factor in determining what you need in choosing your next home.

 

So, check this first before you proceed to scroll down.

 

Questions You Need to Ask Yourself

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to where you should live, but here are some essential factors to think about:

☑️ Size of the Home – How much space do you need? Think about square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and whether you need extra storage or a garage especially if you are raising a family.

☑️ Home Features – Do you want a modern kitchen, updated appliances, or a big backyard? Consider what matters most in your daily life.

☑️ Proximity to Work & Daily Needs – How long are you willing to commute? Is the area close to grocery stores, restaurants, and medical facilities?

☑️ School Districts – Even if you don’t have kids, living near good schools can increase property value and make it easier to sell later.

☑️ Neighborhood Feel – Do you prefer a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood, or an area with lots of nightlife? Are the homes older or newer? Who are the typical residents families, retirees, or young professionals?

☑️ Future Growth – If you plan to expand your family, will the home and neighborhood still work for you in five or ten years?

☑️ Condition of the Home – Are you looking for something move-in ready, or are you open to buying a fixer-upper? A home that needs work may be cheaper, but consider the time and budget required for renovations.

 

Your Budget

 

One of the most basic things you will need to consider is your budget. We mentioned earlier to choose the right location even if the house is small.

 

Your budget will dictate where you’ll eventually end up. So, calculate your budget first before making a major move.

 

Talk to People Who Live There

The most effective way to know whether your prospect place where to live is for you is to simply just talk to people who have lived there or is currently living there. 

Do not just stop at just one person, just ask whoever you can and whatever conclusion you can come out of it or their common answers are then that is most likely how that place is.

To make sure you can make the most out of your conversations with these people, take note of these things:

• Crime Rate
• Neighborhood culture
• Cost of living
• Amenities
• Traffic

 

Talk to Real Estate Agents

Real Estate Agents know more about the valuations of homes, the potential for market growth, and everything related to the history of the home you are eyeing.

A good Real Estate Agent who knows has a lot of connections to help you with you choice is the most ideal. Choose the one that has great reviews and will give you the best customer experience.

They are ideal for: value projections, local schools and amenities, commute times and public transportations and overall safety.

Also, refer to these sites that may help you knowing the crimes rate, school ratins, and commute times for each state:

Crime Data: https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/
School Ratings: https://www.greatschools.org/
Commute Times: https://www.waze.com/live-map/ and https://www.google.com/maps

 

Cost of Living, Culture, Career

 

According to Reddit user gdizzle815, he says “Here’s the list I could come up with: Culture, (What does that even mean?), Big city/small city, Climate, Cost of living, Schools, Politics, Proximity to family/friends, Career implications (I have a pretty good handle on this).”

Read more: https://www.reddit.com/r/RedditForGrownups/comments/ro5erm/how_do_you_decide_where_to_live/?rdt=44948

 

After talking to some of a few local in your prospect area, then you will need to have some research by yourself about what the place is like. This is really effective since all factual data aside from the perception of people is usually found online.

Cost of Living

The biggest factor in determining where you want to live would be the potential average cost of living of the state you would like to live in.

 

Here are some websites to help you identify the costs of living per state:
 

• Salary.com
• Bankrate
• Ramsey Solutions

Culture

Every neighborhood has its own unique character. Some areas buzz with festivals, farmers’ markets, and street fairs, while others offer laid-back parks and local art scenes.

Want a vibrant nightlife or prefer a peaceful suburb with community potlucks? Take a stroll around, and check out community boards or events on social media to get a sense of the local culture.

With the information we have at hand in the internet age, we can definitely do this at the comfort of our home. Read more about a place on articles, blogs, or Youtube videos.

 

Career

 

Visit online job listing services such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor and etc.

 

You may also read real account of people online or news about the career progressions and situations of a particular state you are planning to relocate.

Crime Rate

 

Feeling safe at home is priceless. Check local crime stats on reliable websites and consider factors like neighborhood watch programs or police presence. 

Don’t just rely on the numbers, chat with residents about how safe they feel. Keep an eye out for well-lit streets, maintained properties, and secure public spaces when visiting neighborhoods.

 

Education

 

Whether you have kids now or might in the future, school quality impacts home values and community appeal. Research local schools using sites like GreatSchools or by checking district ratings.

 

 Even if you don’t have children, living near well-regarded schools can be a smart investment for your property’s value.

Bonus tip: Take a campus tour or attend a school event to get a real feel for the learning environment.

Commute

No one loves spending hours in traffic. Consider how long it will take to get to work, school, or even your favorite coffee shop. Check public transportation options, road conditions, and traffic patterns at different times of the day.

Google Maps will be your bestfriend in determining commute times during rush hour, so you’re not caught off guard. If the idea of biking or walking to your destination excites you, look for neighborhoods with bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to real estate, location matters more than the house itself. It’s often wiser to buy a smaller house in a great neighborhood than the biggest house in a less desirable one.

By talking to neighbors, consulting with your agent, and researching, you’ll be well on your way to making the right decision.

 

Contact a Real Estate Agent Today!