Omaha
Buyer's Broker
Changing the Way Omaha Buys a Home™
Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood
The neighborhood you live in can have a big impact on your life. Available amenities, culture, and convenience all play a part in selecting the perfect home in a neighborhood catering to you and your family’s lifestyle. Omaha has hundreds of distinct neighborhoods and subdivisions, so choosing one may seem like a daunting task. Here are a few tips to help you narrow the choices.First, make a list of the activities and the places you visit frequently: your job, the grocery store, movie theater, mall, health club, church, etc. See how far you would have to travel from each of the neighborhoods you’re considering. Would you be satisfied with the commuting time, or would you find yourself forced to choose different destinations? Is the neighborhood convenient to major roads?
Next, if you have children, or intend to have children, check out the school district. The Internet has several sources that will provide information on test scores, class size, percentage of students who attend college, and special enrichment programs. You might also consider paying a visit to schools in the neighborhoods you’re considering. IMPORTANT NOTE: Even if you don’t have children, a house in a good school district will be easier to sell in the future!
A very important criteria for most people is whether or not the neighborhood is safe. Ask the police department or check online for neighborhood crime statistics. Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type – burglaries, armed robberies – and whether the trend is increasing or decreasing. Also, is crime centered in only one part of the neighborhood, such as near a retail area?
Also, determine if the neighborhood is economically stable. Check with the economic development office or your real estate agent to see if income and property values in the neighborhood are stable or rising. What is the percentage of homes to apartments? Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months?
Finally, do your own tour. Once you’ve narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go there, and walk around. Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets quiet? Pick a warm day if you can, and chat with people working or playing outside. Are they friendly? Are there children in the area to play with your children?
Of course, there is no such thing as a "perfect" neighborhood. Ultimately, it’s how you and your family feel about the neighborhood that really counts!
Tags for this Entry
housing tips
