5 Ways to Find Out if a Neighborhood is Right for You

When you’re looking at Orlando homes for sale online, it’s easy to create a short list of the ones you want to see – but how do you know if a neighborhood is right for you?

Your Realtor® will most likely suggest that you pick a home not just for its features, but for its location… and the neighborhood your home is in can make or break the way you feel about the house after 6 months, a year, or 5 years.

So how can you tell if the home you want is in a neighborhood that you’ll love?

5 Ways to Find Out if a Neighborhood is Right for You

While there’s really no substitute for spending a lot of time in a neighborhood (like visiting family or friends), there are five ways you can tell if a neighborhood will be a good fit for your needs:

1. Be sure about what you want.
2. Drive through at various times of day.
3. Talk to neighbors.
4. Do your homework on statistics and crime.
5. Make sure it has the amenities you want.

#1. Be sure about what you want.

What do you want from a neighborhood? Do you prefer a quiet, serene environment rich in natural beauty, or do you want a community that’s full of playing kids and backs up to a sandlot? Are well-spaced homes your goal, or do you want to live close to neighbors and meet new friends on every evening stroll?

The answers to those questions will help you narrow down your search to a few distinct neighborhoods.

#2. Drive through at various times of day.

Check out the neighborhoods you’re interested in early in the morning. Swing back through at lunchtime, and then again in the evening. If you’re up for it, drive through after dark. You’ll see who’s out and about, and when, as well as see how the neighborhood’s character shifts at different times of day.

#3. Talk to neighbors.

Don’t be afraid to stop and say hi when you see people outside. Let them know you’re interested in buying in the community and you’ll get plenty of information – if there are loud planes overhead, the HOA hasn’t repaired the entry gate in months, or there’s a neighbor who’s always throwing loud parties, you’re sure to hear about it.

#4. Do your homework on schools and crime.

Look at websites that provide you with information that real estate agents can’t. Look up schools that serve each community. Even if you don’t have kids, schools can be important – like when you’re selling to someone who does have kids. Look for crime reports, too, to see how close to home the nearest issues typically occur.

#5. Make sure it has the amenities you want.

If a playground, sidewalks and community area are important to you, rule out neighborhoods that don’t have them. You’re more likely to regret the neighborhood not having the amenities that you want a few years down the road, so look for them now.

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Orlando?

If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Orlando, you’ll be happy to know that this community hosts dozens of fabulous events every month – there’s always something to do or see, especially around the holidays.

While you’re here, check out our:

• Apopka homes for sale
• Baldwin Park homes for sale
• College Park homes for sale
• Colonialtown homes for sale
• Phillips homes for sale
• Longwood homes for sale
• Orlando homes for sale
• Oviedo homes for sale
• Windermere homes for sale
• Winter Garden homes for sale
• Winter Park homes for sale