Choosing the right neighbourhood

Whether you’re planning to move for the first time or relocate a growing family, it’s all about location. Choosing the right neighbourhood for your home is an important step in the process. Here are some tips to guide you.

It’s important to consider what the needs are for yourself and your family before you move, especially when buying your first house.

• Do you have school age children?
• Are you looking for a home close to work?
• Do you lead more of a quiet lifestyle or do you like to party?

These are important considerations when house hunting that you may not think of automatically.

If you have school-age children, you’ll want to find a neighbourhood that is as safe as possible and on the quieter side.

• Many families choose to live in the suburbs for this reason as they have tighter-knit communities and are away from the downtown bustle.
• Plus, in the suburbs it’s more likely you’ll be able to afford a house or a larger place.

But, you’ll also need to consider a location close to school.

• If you’re hoping your children will be able to walk to school, that will narrow your parameters.
• If you’re planning to drive them, you’ll have more flexibility in terms of location.
• If you want them to take the bus to school, you’ll have to look for a home near a public transportation route.

If you’re a young person either looking to move out on your own or with a few roommates, chances are you’ll want to be closer to the downtown core of a city.

• Young people don’t mind the noise or cramped quarters, as long as there's a great place to party nearby.
• Since many young people in urban areas choose not to drive or have a car, finding a neighbourhood with the necessities nearby like a grocery store, laundromat, or drug store is an important consideration.

If you’re an older person looking to move, chances are you prefer a quieter neighbourhood, or to be near your friends and family.

• Many elderly people prefer to live in apartment complexes, and get to know their neighbours well.
• It can be a good idea to spend an afternoon in the neighbourhood you’re thinking of moving into to get a better feel for it.
• Safety is also a consideration for the elderly, as is proximity to nearby essentials like a drugstore,  grocery store, and pharmacy.