Buying a house can be exciting but challenging because of a myriad of factors that need to be considered with choosing a good neighborhood as one of the most crucial factors. Needless to say, the neighborhood you choose will contribute immensely to your lifestyle. Before getting too involved in the buying process, inspect the neighborhood first and gather as much information as you can to avoid future regrets.

Below are 5 factors to consider when scouting for your dream neighborhood.

1. Neighborhood Safety

No one wants to worry when leaving their house for a walk. Ensure safety measures such as electric fences and adequate streetlights are installed. Engage in open conversations with neighbors around and find out more about the safety of the neighborhood.

2. Schools

Finding a good school that performs well is a top priority for parents when looking for the perfect neighborhood to move into. Conduct an in-depth research and if possible, familiarize yourself with the schools around by paying a visit.

3. Commuting options

Choose a neighborhood where you have several commuting options. Sometimes, you may want to leave your car at home and use matatu or a train to commute. In addition, ask yourself questions such as “Will the time I take to commute affect my quality of life?” You may find a perfect neighborhood, but the amount of traffic jam could greatly affect the time you spend with your family or friends.

4. Local businesses and shopping

It can be quite the hustle having to travel far and beyond just to find a convenience store. If convenience is important to you, then you may want to consider selecting a location that’s closest to where you will be running your errands. For this reason, factoring in how far a grocery store, supermarket or pharmaceutical is from where you desire to own a home is a critical factor when choosing a neighborhood. At the end of the day, remember to take your time when choosing a neighborhood. If possible, have open conversations during the purchasing process so you get concrete advice.

5. Recreational activities

If you are planning to start a family, consider a neighborhood with family friendly activities. These could include playgrounds and parks where children can go out to play or swim. If possible, consider the proximity of these amenities as well when choosing a neighborhood.

Part of the article extracted from tchabitat.org