There are many reasons why location is often seen as the most important aspect of a home. A good location means you’ll be in a neighbourhood that’s conveniently located and has the things you love. But how do you know whether a location is right for you? Here’s how to choose the perfect neighbourhood when you are house hunting.
Look at the area, not the housing market
It can be hard to get out of the habit at looking at and judging specific homes, so take them out of the equation when you are looking for somewhere to live. You can always do a knock down rebuild Canberra if you can’t find a home that’s right for you, so really, you are looking more at the neighbourhood than the homes that are for sale.
Think about what you want nearby
Next, think about the kind of neighbourhood in which you’d want to live, and what amenities are nearby in walking or driving distance. Some things you might want to prioritise could include:
- Good schools
- Cafés and restaurants
- Shopping
- Cultural activities
- Family member’s homes
You are unlikely to find a neighbourhood that ticks all the boxes you want, but this will allow you to narrow down what’s most important and what’s slightly less important to you. You should also use online maps like Google Maps to find out how long your commute will be based on average traffic and whether there are alternative routes.
Spend some time there
It’s impossible to really know what an area is like until you’ve spent some time there. Visit the neighbourhood you’re interested in a few times, ideally at different times of day, to see what it’s like. Is traffic terrible? Is it noisy at night? Only by spending time there will you pick up on the vibe.
Get recommendations from friends
Another way to really find out what a neighbourhood is like is to ask friends who live nearby. They can give you an honest assessment of the good and bad things, which an estate agent just won’t tell you. Many people find their dream location simply by chatting to others.
Location is key to being happy in your home. It can be hard to find the right neighbourhood to live in, but once you find that sweet spot that cuts your commute and has everything you need, you’ll be grateful that you took your time to find the right place.
