How to Choose Where You Want to Live

When buying a new home, researching the area is an important step before making this big lifestyle change. There’s a lot to take into consideration, including the overall cost of living, job opportunities and education.

Whether you’re moving due to starting a new job here, upsizing for family needs, or just looking for a fresh start, we want to share a few tips with you on how to select an area that will best fit your lifestyle.

Affordability 

Overall affordability is one of the most important things you should think about when looking to move to a new neighborhood. Moving encompasses a wide range of expenses, such as utilities, consumable goods and other miscellaneous costs that allow you to live life to its fullest. 

Taxes are another important consideration. In addition to state income taxes, also look at local income tax and sales tax as well as any exemptions, allowed write-offs, and tax credits that you may be eligible for when relocating to a new area.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities and the cost of living often go hand in hand. Some areas have higher concentrations of available jobs in certain industries and the rate of pay can also vary from state to state. 

Carefully research and compare the job markets in the areas within Bucks County. This will allow you to find the best location within your field and enable you to maintain a good standard of life.   

Real Estate Market 

Your new home is one of the biggest investments that you’ll make. Look at the real estate market of those areas that you’re considering to determine a long-term value estimate. Websites such as Zillow and Trulia can give you a good idea of the history of housing prices in that area and allow you to intelligently gauge the future market.

 If the area you’re considering has new housing and ample commercial development, this is a good sign that it’s a growing community. It could mean that the real estate market will continue to remain attractive to homebuyers for many years to come.   

Safety

 Safety should be another top priority when it comes to choosing where you want to live. Start by researching crime statistics in the local town or city you are considering in Bucks County on Google and go through the search results. If you are not satisfied with the information you find, or want to learn more, you can always pick up the phone and contact the police department for clarification. It may be the best source for safety information, especially if you are looking for specifics.

 Another way to get an overall feel for the safety of a neighborhood is to visit and take a walk around the block. Pay close attention to your feelings while you’re there. Do you feel safe and secure or are you noticing certain things that cause a little bit of uneasiness?   

Education System

 If you are a parent or plan to have children, finding an ideal school district plays a huge role in the decision of where to move. Searching online to view the quality and reputation of schools is the easiest way to check if your child will receive an exceptional education. Many states will also post test results online which allows you to view how well their overall performance is. 

If you or a family member will be attending college locally, look at how geographically close those institutions are to your new home. Is public transportation available, or will you have to drive to get to campus? If your children will be attending an out of state college, how close will you be to the airport?

Culture/Lifestyle

Each city has its own unique culture and lifestyle. Find one that best suits your personality and interests. A great way to do so is to check out the local community website or newspaper for information on events and other activities to give yourself an idea of what life is like in the community surrounding your new home.

 Look at the nearby recreational activities that you and your family members will enjoy as well. For example, if you love the great outdoors, select an area that is within a reasonable driving distance to parks and hiking destinations. If you’re more into opera and the arts, look for a neighborhood in close proximity to a city with a vibrant downtown nightlife and art scene.

Healthcare

 Excellent healthcare is essential, no matter where you live. However, if you have a family member who requires frequent healthcare visits, you might want to take a closer look at the available healthcare options in the area. 

For example, families with young children who need more frequent checkups, or elderly adults in the household who require specialized care, might consider a new home that is in close proximity to the office or specialty services they visit. This will help cut down on stress and prevent long drives to appointments.

City Size

Do you like getting to know your neighbors? The size of the city that you choose can have an impact on your life. Generally speaking, people tend to take the time to get to know their neighbors in smaller sized cities and close-knit towns, whereas living in a large one can sometimes make you feel a bit more anonymous.

The commute time to your job or your kids’ school is another important consideration. Research how long it will take to get to both from your new home by going to Google Maps. This will help to ensure drive times are within your expectations.

Food

Do you enjoy eating out and taking your tastebuds on a proverbial tour of the world? If so, choose an area that has ample restaurants that offer a variety of ethnic cuisines. 

If you are a gourmet chef and enjoy creating your masterpieces at home, stop in at the closest grocery store to get a feel for the produce and specialty ingredients they stock. For families who prefer fresh, organic foods, check out he area for local Farmers’ Markets and what types of foods they sell.

Choosing Your New Home 

When it comes to choosing the perfect community for you and your family members, it’s important to learn what the area has to offer, such as food options, lifestyle, culture and nearby amenities. This will help you select an area that will have the greatest impact on the quality of your life. Stop in for a tour of any of Hallmark Homes Groups’ communities and while you’re here, take a drive to discover all of the exciting amenities that surround them.