Signs of a good Neighborhood

I was out showing homes to some new clients of mine yesterday and the topic of what neighborhood to live in came up. It got me thinking about it and looking around for more information on how to do that. When helping someone buy a home in Charlottesville, I can't pick a neighborhood for them, we are not the same people and it could even be a violation of fair housing law. However, there are things that potential home buyers can look for when deciding where they want to live.

Certainly, choosing a neighborhood to buy your home in can be a very personal thing. What makes a neighborhood exciting to one person can make it unlivable to another. Do you want to not see your neighbors at all? Want to be close to Downtown Charlottesville or one house amidst Farms in the County? No matter what you choose, there is an intrinsic "feel" to a neighborhood that you have to take into account, but there are also simple signs to look for that wherever the neighborhood, it is one that can be a good investment and good place to live.

Some simple signs to look for can include, but not be limited to:

1. Are there children playing in the yards of homes or on the block?

No matter whether you think the kids are clean enough or well behaved enough, if there are children playing in the yards of homes and around the neighborhood, odds are this is a safe neighborhood. No matter what style of parenting your neighbors may promote, no parent wants their child hurt and seeing that they allow their kids outside to play is a sign that the neighborhood is a safe one.

For the complete article, please go to: http://rrea.com/blog/10-signs-of-a-great-neighborhood/

2. Green Space.
Are there parks and walking trails? Is there a playground and is it well cared for? Seeing these spaces that are set aside for use by pedestrians, children and the occasional health nut is a wonderful sign that you have found a neighborhood that cares for the well being of its residents. be sure they are well cared for and look to be in good repair. Active neighbors who enjoy life are good neighbors.



3. Well Kept Yards
Not every yard needs to be its own little botanical garden, but taking a look around and seeing the people are generally interested in the appearance of the front of their homes is an excellent sign. These are neighbors that will help to keep a neighborhood that is valuable, it speaks to responsibility and tells you that those homes are likely to be owned rather than just rented. Neighbors with good yards also have tools that can be borrowed - a bonus for new homeowners!

4. Is there activity on the sidewalks?
 Jogging, dog-walking, neighbors talking to one another. Seeing the neighbors out and about during the day, whether its jogging or dog walking is an excellent sign. People who are out and about automatically make friends with their neighbors, look out for one another and are more likely to keep the general safety of the neighborhood in mind. This helps maintain a friendly and healthy environment.





No matter what your particular likes and dislikes are for your neighborhood, taking a little time to do some basic research can help you enjoy your homes for many years to come and really fell at home in your neighborhood. Check out what's in walking distance, local stores and restaurants and see if they fit your idea of "home." Whether you want to buy a home in Belmont to be close to Mas and The Local or need a Farm in Albemarle county so that you can never hear your neighbors and always see the stars, what you want is out there and I want to help you find it.

Looking to:
Buy a Charlottesville Home
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Contact me, I want to help!
Quinton Beckham
Keller Williams Realty
434.242.6212
www.buyorsellhomescharlottesville.com