Buying a home is a big step and there is a lot to think about before you make an offer. While many people focus on paint colors, appliances, flooring, or fixtures, if you don’t like these things, they can be changed. What cannot be changed, on the other hand, is your home’s location.
A key goal during your home search should be finding a neighborhood where you can build an enriching, fulfilling life among friends and neighbors with similar priorities. Finding the ideal neighborhood can be tricky, especially when you are unfamiliar with an area. However, with some research and patience, it is possible to find the perfect neighborhood for you and your family. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing a neighborhood.
If you have children or plan to in the future, one of your first considerations when choosing a neighborhood should be the quality of the area’s schools. Look up the home’s district online and check its rankings among others in the state – it’s important to assess the entire district because school feeder patterns are sometimes redrawn as the population grows.
Next, read reviews of the schools assigned to the specific neighborhood. Have they received any awards? Are there any distinguished teachers there? Harvest by Hillwood has two highly-rated elementary schools on-site, Argyle West Elementary School (Argyle ISD) and Lance Thompson Elementary School (Northwest ISD). Both of these school districts are acclaimed for their success with students and their high satisfaction ratings with parents.
You will also want to assess class sizes, retention, graduation rates, and dropout rates. All of this information will give you an idea of how well the school engages its students. Even if you don’t have children and don’t plan to, school quality should still factor into your decision to choose a neighborhood as this will affect the resale value of your home in the future.
Another way to determine how to choose a neighborhood is to look at its amenities. If you live an active lifestyle and love to do things outdoors, finding a neighborhood with lots of trails, paths, parks, and recreational amenities should be a priority. If you love to swim but don’t want to own your own pool, a neighborhood with a community pool should be on your list. Research any other amenities that would fit into your family’s lifestyle. Remember, it is possible to have it all, so be picky!
At Harvest, we have all of the amenities mentioned above in a friendly, small-town environment, plus convenient access to major cities such as Dallas, Denton, and Fort Worth. But best of all (and what Harvest is known for), we have our own on-site commercial farm, orchards and community garden, where residents can work as much or as little as they like. Harvest homeowners also have access to their own private garden plot and can get gardening tips from our on-site expert, Farmer Ross, who teaches our gardening classes and manages the farm.
Another top priority of what to look for in a neighborhood when buying a home is safety. Everyone wants to feel safe in their home, so make sure to research the safety of each area you are considering before choosing a neighborhood. Research the crime rate and talk to local businesses about crime in the area. Ask about community policing and local law enforcement involvement. Consider the layout of the community as well. Master-planned communities, like Harvest, are often among the safest neighborhoods in which to live, with safety features integrated into their design from the outset.
Here are some tips on how to find a good neighborhood to live in:
If you are still wondering how to find a good neighborhood, take a look at Harvest by Hillwood. With great schools, one-of-a-kind amenities, family-centered activities, and safe neighborhoods, Harvest can give you everything you want. Don’t wait! Drop by for a visit, take a virtual tour, or contact us today!