The phrase “location, location, location” may be a cliché but it is the absolute truth when it comes to choosing the perfect neighbourhood for you and your family. However, location isn’t the only thing that matters when you are scouting for a new area to live in. Here are the factors that you should consider in order to define whether a neighbourhood is ideal for you or not.
Lifestyle
Before you commence scouting the different areas which interest you, take time to consider your current lifestyle. This way you will be able to determine which neighbourhoods in your list covers your personal and social needs. Keep in mind that living in a nice house which isn’t in an area that matches your lifestyle will sooner or later cause you discomfort and unhappiness.
Real estate prices
The real estate market isn’t simple as property prices aren’t fixed. This means that the value of your new home will be determined mostly from the area in which it is located. By knowing which properties are within your financial means and which aren’t you will be able to easily filter out all neighbourhood in which you can afford to live without breaking bank.
Commuting
Ask yourself whether you are willing to commute or not? Sometimes the ideal area for you can be situated at several miles from the city centre or your place of work which will mean waking up earlier and driving for a longer period of time from and to work. Are you ready to make these sacrifices only to reside in a neighbourhood that covers all your needs and lifestyle, or is it impossible for you to imagine living far away from the city noise?
Amenities
Explore each neighbourhood that you are considering carefully and learn what amenities they can offer you. Look for establishments such as:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Markets
- Dry cleaning
- Gas stations
- Healthcare facilities and hospitals
- Postal offices
The more amenities the better as you won’t have to travel to nearby areas in order to use any of the above mentioned establishments.
Schools
It is very important that you choose a neighbourhood which has its own primary and secondary schools, if you are a parent or planning to become one in the future. This will save you time as you won’t have to drive for miles in order to take them and get them from school. It will also make the lives of your kids more comfortable as they won’t have to commute during the days in which you can’t drive them or pick them up.
Employment opportunities
If commuting isn’t an option for you but you really like the area, you should vet the local employment market. Perhaps there is a possibility for you to find a job in close proximity to the neighbourhood. This will not only solve your commuting conundrum but also save you a significant amount of money as many of your expenses (gas, toll taxes, car repairs and etc.) will diminish drastically.
Moving services
Choose an area which is adequately covered by movers. For example Get Removals cover Greater London in full which means that you can easily relocate to any neighbourhood within the English capital. By delegating your domestic removal to professional man and van contractors you will have the peace of mind that all your belongings will be diligently packed, loaded and hauled to your new address. This will give you more time to prepare your new home for the arrival of your possessions.
Crime rate
Everybody wants to live in a safe area and you shouldn’t be any different. Conduct a meticulously researched about the different crime rates in the neighbourhoods that you are considering. If necessary contact the police and ask them to provide you the official crime statistics of each area. This way you will know which areas are suitable for you and your family and which aren’t,
Proximity to your family and friends
Moving to a new neighbourhood means that you will be leaving behind all your friends and family. Still this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to visit them and vice versa. However this would only be possible if your new area is situated at a reasonable distance from their homes. So, if you are desire is to keep in touch with your close ones you should opt for a neighbourhood which is at a short drive away.
Public transportation options
Some areas are served by their own tube or railway station while others are linked to the other parts of the city only via a certain number of bus routes. The former neighbourhoods are much more desirable as they allow local residents to quickly get to any point of London. Therefore it is of immense importance that you learn about the local public transportation options and reflect on whether they will cover your needs or not.
Culture
Every neighbourhood has its own cultural characteristics. Some areas are home to large foreign communities while others tend to host various social events such as festivals, specialised markets, and musical concerts and so on. Make sure that you choose a neighbourhood in which you and your family will be comfortable and welcomed. For example if you are looking to reside in a calm and quiet place you should avoid areas which have internationally known landmarks or which host the aforementioned events.
Proximity to international transportation hubs
Leaving next to an airport or major train station can be quite irritating due to the constant noise of arriving and departing airplanes and trains. However, it can also be an advantage as you will have a quick and easy access to international transportation hubs which can drastically impact your lifestyle, especially if you work a job that requires a lot of travelling to various points on Earth.
As you can see there are many things that you should factor in, in order to find the perfect neighbourhood for you and your family. But if you approach the task with the needed diligence and patient, you will be able to discover the area of your dreams and enjoy it in full.
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