When you’re looking for a place to live, there are the usual things that you have to consider : price and payment scheme, the quality of the house or building, and even the floor plan and dimensions. But you shouldn’t forget to consider the neighborhood as well.

In fact, research has shown that the neighborhood vibe plays a huge role in a home buyer’s decision-making process. People need to know what the surrounding area is like (and the whole city to a larger extent) and what amenities are available if they’re ever going to make the place their home.

Because in the end, all these and more are going to affect the livability of the place, and whether or not people are going to like living there.

Here are the things you should consider when choosing a neighborhood to live in :

Important establishments
If you have or are planning to have children, you might want to look into the schools in the area. You also want to check if there are hospitals or medical clinics nearby. And if there are, it’s best to double-check if the establishments available can actually cater to your regular needs.

Amenities
Try to check if there are any groceries, restaurants, or shopping within the area as well. While this depends on your lifestyle, having these kinds of shops nearby might make you feel like you’re living in a great neighborhood.

Outdoor activities
Unless you’re living in a nature haven, outdoor options can be hard to come by. If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, it might be worth looking into whether or not your neighborhood has great locations for camping, hiking, or swimming. If not, places with decent parks are somewhere to consider as well. You can visit www.liveorchardridge.com or similar sites for inspiration.

Public transportation
Whether you have a car or rely on commuting, access to public transportation can make a neighborhood really attractive, especially when you or your family need to travel for work or school everyday. See what commuting options are available within the neighborhood and how long it might take you to get to your usual haunts. It might be worth leaving the car at home if there is a train or bus station nearby.

Entertainment options
This is another factor that depends heavily on your lifestyle. If you’re the kind who likes going out to a movie, theater, or bar every now and then, you may want to live in a neighborhood where these establishments are just a walk or short ride away.

Crime rate
Obviously, you want to live in a place with a lower crime rate. Safety and security are not to be taken for granted, so look for neighborhoods where you can get some peace of mind and not worry much when walking down the street.

Family-friendly options
If you have or are starting a family, it might be best to go for neighborhood with family-friendly establishments and programs. Basically, you want to look for opportunities for your children to play and socialize with other kids.

There are many more things that make up a great neighborhood, but this list can be a great way to start. When making your decision, just make sure to consider the factors that are important to you.

7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Neighborhood by Jamie Richardson | Realty Biz News