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If you want to purchase your forever home, choosing a neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. This is the home where you’ll raise your family and grow old, surrounded by neighbors you hope to call your friends.

But it’s about more than finding a home you love. There are other factors you should consider when choosing a community to live in, and below, we’ll cover the top seven amenities that can help you decide if a neighborhood is right for you. 

Top Community Amenities

When you are saying yes to a home, you’re also saying yes to the community surrounding it. Here are some amenities that may factor into your decision.

1. School System

If you currently have children or want to start a family, moving to an area with a strong school system is necessary. Of course, these can change over time, but you want to keep an eye on the public school ranking, private school reviews, and more. Look at the average student-to-teacher ratio and the funding rates.

Additionally, consider the distance to the school and if there are any bus stops nearby. If the school is far away, you may regret your home when you have to drive multiple times a day.

2. Healthcare Availability

If you or your loved ones are sick, you want to be conveniently located near quality healthcare, including a doctor’s office, urgent care, or hospital. If you have existing doctors, consider if specialists are closer if you need to switch. 

Additionally, if you have elderly parents, you may want to move close to assisted living or nursing home facilities like Avalon Health Care Group. These facilities should provide basic care and attention to your loved one with complex medical needs, but there’s nothing like a visit from your family to bring a smile to a nursing home resident’s face. 

3. Shopping 

Look at the local businesses around you, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and other big box retailers. If you run out of something, you want something nearby to pick it up quickly. Those living in rural or suburban areas may need to drive more than an hour to run their errands.

Online shopping has made this more convenient, but the delivery time will often increase for more isolated areas. You will still need to run to the store for necessities. 

4. Recreational Activities

As you explore neighborhoods, consider your lifestyle preferences. If you enjoy eating out, ensure there are a variety of restaurants to choose from. If you enjoy the outdoors, pick a place where you can easily access trails, water, camping, and other outdoor recreational activities. Your home should be your oasis, but you should still be able to do everything you love within a convenient walk or drive. 

5. Gyms 

For those passionate about fitness, the right health amenities are essential. Scope the scene to ensure local facilities meet your needs, including gyms, yoga or pilates studios, pools, group fitness classes, cycling, and more. These can be private or community facilities, depending on your preference. The more conveniently the facilities are located, the more likely you will keep up with your health routine. 

6. Transportation 

Proximity to major highways or airports can be a game-changer for people who work in an office or travel often. The neighborhood shouldn’t be so close to the highway or busy streets that you’ll be disturbed by road noise or far enough that it will take 30 minutes just to get out of your neighborhood. 

Additionally, consider public transportation opportunities for those who want to be more environmentally friendly. New York, San Francisco, San Antonio, Seattle, and Salt Lake City are among the cities with the best public transport systems in the United States. You can get around without a car, which saves you money and time.

7. Public Programming

Many park districts and community centers will offer public programming for their residents at a free or discounted rate. This could include summer camps, community theater, group fitness classes, children’s programming, and more. Your tax dollars fund these activities, so you may as well be able to take advantage of them! 

Conclusion

Convenience is key when it comes to living space, and select amenities can help you feel more comfortable as you settle in. Families may need access to top schools, community programming, and parks, while individuals may prefer a vibrant entertainment scene and convenient shopping locations.

As you look to purchase your home, consider what resources are important to you and make sure the amenities are available nearby. The house could be perfect, but it will never feel right if the area can’t meet all your needs.

And, when you’re ready to sell, convenient access to these amenities adds value to your home. The more vibrant your community, the more benefits you will experience during the entire real estate life cycle. 

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