As every homebuyer and realtor knows, location is everything. There’s no sense in finding a perfect home if it’s in a neighborhood that is unsafe, inconvenient, or unappealing. Enchanted Construction Service in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC specializes in building new home communities in the best locations. As you start your search, here are the top ten things you should consider for the perfect neighborhood.

Safety First- The safety of you and your family should always come first. However, Fair Housing laws strictly prohibit any realtors from discussing neighborhood crime rates or safety issues. You’ll have to do your own research by looking up crime rates, flooding issues, or other location problems. There are several sites you can visit to find out demographic data for any neighborhood, including crime statistics. You can also look into newer construction neighborhoods as these areas usually have higher growth rates and lower crime.

Convenience is Crucial- Commute time remains a top concern of home buyers everywhere. Finding a neighborhood that is close to where you spend your time either at work or at play is the smartest option. Consult custom home builders to find which new home communities are located near your work, school, favorite shops, or parks. You will save yourself time, money, and a lot of aggravation.

Look for Sidewalks and Trails- Neighborhoods with walking paths or trails often have great amenities near-by. Trails and walkways often lead to parks, playgrounds, or dog park. They also offer a great opportunity for free exercise close to your house. There might also be shops, grocery stores, and restaurants located close-by. You’ll be able to get healthy and save money on gas.

Look for a Neighborhood that Fits You and Your Future- When you’re looking for a long-term investment like a house, seek out neighborhoods with amenities that you not only love today but can see yourself loving years from now. Have a dog? Look for dog parks. Have kids? Look for a home near libraries, parks, or even kid activities like dance, gymnastics, and karate. Find new home communities with gyms, fitness centers, or biking trails that you can continue to enjoy as your life changes.

Choose a Community, Not Just a Neighborhood- There’s a big difference between a community and a neighborhood. Communities often come together, they have common interests and a personality. Take time to visit events in the areas you are interested in. Stop by for the weekend farmers’ market, go to a holiday parade, check out neighborhood-wide yard sales. These things can give you a feel for what type of community there is in the area. Trusted custom home builders can help you discover areas that suit the lifestyle you love.

Schools Matter for Everyone- Even if you don’t have children, schools are important. Many homebuyers in the housing market rate school performance as a top concern in their housing search. Research school performance and demographics. A good local school will drastically improve your chances of selling and can be an indicator of a stable neighborhood.

Find a Setting that Fits Your Tastes- Different people feel at home in different settings. If you crave the hustle and bustle of busy streets, you won’t be happy in a secluded suburban neighborhood. If you need peace and quiet or time with nature, you’re not going to love living next to a bar or busy intersection. Choose a setting that speaks to you.

Avoid Noise Pollution and Irritants- When you are shopping for a house, you want to find a place you’ll enjoy coming home to. Living next to a subway, train tracks, fire station, or concert venue could turn your dream home into a nightmare. Strong smells or allergens could also affect your happiness. Before you invest in a neighborhood, visit it at different times of the day and week. Try to go to the neighborhood during the day, evening, and on weekends. You’ll get a better feel for what living there will be like before you make a big mistake.

New Developments and Communities- New construction and developments are great indicators of up and coming neighborhoods. Being in a newer community is a great way to ensure your home investment will grow throughout the coming years. New homes and developments add to the demand for housing in your area and demand will increase your home’s value.

Look Out for Rentals and Foreclosures- Looks can be deceiving. A neighborhood that looks beautiful could be falling apart. If you notice a lot of rental or foreclosure signs, you might want to keep looking. Foreclosures could be a sign that a neighborhood is faltering while a lot of rental signs could affect the value of your home. Homeowners tend to take much better care of their property than renters. Make sure you research the stability of the neighborhood no matter how nice it looks.

If you would like more information on how to find a great neighborhood, Enchanted Construction Service in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC is here to help. We have experienced custom home builders ready to answer all your questions. Contact us online or stop by our offices.