Real Estate News

How do I choose the perfect neighbourhood?

Perfect neighbourhood house for sale


When you’re looking for a new home, you want to find one in a great area – or, invest in an up-and-coming neighbourhood. After accounting for your needs, you’ll also want to get an idea of the lay of the land.

Here are some common indicators to help you tell if a particular area is desirable:

Pride of ownership.
Take a walk around the neighbourhood. Do you get a sense that people take good care of their homes? Are the lawns mowed? Are flowers planted? Homeowners are more likely to look after their properties when they enjoy where they are living.

Home improvements.
Are people investing in their homes? Are they getting their driveways re-done? Are there signs of home improvement projects? If so, this is a clear indication that homeowners like the area enough to invest in their properties.

Real estate sales activity.
Do homes tend to sell quickly in the area? Do they sell for a good price? Are prices rising? If so, the neighbourhood is probably becoming in-demand.

Business investment.
Are businesses investing in the surrounding area? Is there an increase in the number of new shops, health clubs, or restaurants? Commercial businesses often locate near desirable neighbourhoods.

Community involvement.
Are there signs that the community plays an active role in the look and lifestyle of the neighbourhood? Are there neighbourhood picnics, yard sales, and other get-togethers? Google the area or check on social media to see if it has a community page.

City plans.
Find out what plans the city has for the area. Will there be road improvements done in the near future? Are there any major construction projects scheduled, such as a new school or community centre. Although such projects can be disruptive in the short term, they may improve the neighbourhood and, as a result, boost the value of the home you buy in the long term.

Of course, the best way to find out the desirability of a neighbourhood is to talk to a good sales professional who knows the area. CENTURY 21® Sales professionals are The Local Experts®.

Visit our community pages to get local knowledge of neighbourhoods in your area.