There is much more to buying a home than choosing the right features. The location of your new home is just as important, as it’s where you’ll be choosing to spend most of your time. It may be difficult to pick the right area or neighborhood when home searching, but there are some key things to search for. Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when finding a new home location:
Proximity to Services & Commerce
If you want to be close to the action—and essential services like grocery—factor the distance from your potential home into your decision. Is a car required to get to amenities and services or are there places you can walk or bike to? Is there public transportation between your home and commerce centers? These are solid questions to ask when evaluating a potential new home location.
Many homeowners prioritize proximity to recreation, dining, grocery and shopping in their decisions, but the opposite may also be true. Maybe you want to be far away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and being next to a major shopping center is unappealing. Regardless of your preference, this is an important factor to consider.
School Districts
If you have children in your household or are planning to have them in the future, you should also consider school information in your decision. Research what school districts are in your potential new home’s area and whether it’s possible to transfer between them if desired. Most home seekers prioritize access to the best possible opportunities for education. This can include pre-schools, elementary schools, middle and high schools. It may also include community colleges for adult education opportunities. Keep school information in mind when deciding on your next home’s location.
There is a lot that goes in to evaluating a new living location. These are just two major things to look for and keep in mind during your search. The more you can find out about an area, the more confident you’ll be in your decision.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Realty ONE Group Dockside. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
