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How to choose the right neighbourhood


When it comes to finding the perfect property, the neighbourhood that surrounds the house is just as important as the residence itself.

After all, the immediate area around the property has just as much impact on the quality of your time there as the four walls you choose to live within.

But how do you know you’ve found the right suburb and street when you’re buying a property? Here are six things to look for when it comes to choosing the right neighbourhood.

Safety

Safety is probably one of the biggest factors to consider when it comes to selecting a neighbourhood to call home.

Prior to purchasing, thoroughly research any suburb or area you’re interested in, looking at things like local news and the crime rate.

Also spend time in an area to determine exactly how it feels in terms of safety and the general ‘vibe’.

Sense of community

A sense of community is one of those things that’s hard to quantify, but it is something you can feel when you spend time in an area.

Strong communities look after each other, with events and activities that allow people to take pride in the place they live and forge connections with other people who reside there.

This sense of community translates to pride in the area, which becomes evident in the way local facilities and amenities are maintained and also the way people look after their properties.

Activities

The activities you can do within a suburb and neighbourhood all add up to create a sense of community and liveability.

What local activities are available to suit your needs, such as sporting clubs, arts and cultural activities, leisure and lifestyle activities and more?

Amenities

Meanwhile, the amenities that are available in a neighbourhood are crucial. Consider the things you will want and need as part of your lifestyle, such as medical facilities, local shops, schools, parks and playgrounds.

Are these accessible in the neighbourhood you’re considering, and if so, are they in good, safe and  well-maintained condition?

Ease of access

Your neighbourhood doesn’t exist in isolation from the rest of the world, which makes it important to consider how easy it is to access other places you will need.

For example, if you work in the city, how easy is it to get to and from your neighbourhood and your workplace?

How long will your daily commute be? Are there public transport options? What’s the traffic like? Will you be driving into the sun? Are the roads easy to navigate?

Future plans

Finally, it’s important to consider how a neighbourhood will change and evolve in the future, which involves looking at any infrastructure and development plans that might be on the agenda.

Future development can have a major impact on a neighbourhood, including how liveable and desirable that area will be.

How we can help

If you’re considering buying or selling a property and seeking to understand the current market conditions, why not chat with one of our friendly agents to understand how we can help?

Or feel free to enter your address below to get your instant property estimate.

We’re not just about property, but the people and the stories behind it. You can also view our list of currently available properties here.