7 Steps for Finding the Right Livingston County Neighborhood for You & Your Family

When you're deciding which Livingston County neighborhood to buy a home, you'll probably want to begin your search sooner rather than later. Before you hit the open house circuit, you should know the kind of home you want and the kind of neighborhood you need. As you consider your choices, knowing this information can help narrow your focus.

Our REALTORS® believe that to make the right home buying choice you must scout your future neighborhood like a pro. While the internet might yield some of the critical facts you need, you'll have to hit the pavement to track down the rest. Here are a few things to consider. 

1. Affordability
   It can be heartbreaking when you find your dream home but your lender says "no." Work with your mortgage company before beginning your search. The pre-approval process eliminates financial surprises by determining the mortgage amount they will likely approve.
   
   
2. Neighborhood Demographics
   If you're married, you'll feel out of place in a neighborhood populated by singles. If you move your children to a senior neighborhood, you'll have to leave home to find suitable playmates. Demographics are important. You can get the stats from sites like City-Data.com. Also get an up-close look at your potential neighbors by doing walk-throughs day and night, weekdays and weekends. Don't be shy about talking to the people you meet.
   
   
3. Crime
   Before you fall in love with a neighborhood, it's important to find out about local crime rates. Sites like Neighborhoodscout.com publish crime statistics for cities across the country. For a more localized point of view, visit your city website or discuss your concerns with local authorities.
   
   
4. Services and amenities
   Imagine your ideal neighborhood. If you want everything within walking distance, your new community should be walkable. If you're a working mom with small children, you'll need quality daycare nearby. If you love fresh veggies, you'll want a farmer's market.
   
   Decide what you want--recreation, shopping, nice restaurants--then look for a community that offers those services and amenities. The other side of this advice is to consider what you don't want--bars, loud music, heavy traffic-- and avoid it.
   
   
5. Transitional neighborhoods
   Do you belong in a transitioning neighborhood? When a beautiful old neighborhood is in the midst of a positive transition, you'll see refurbished homes, active remodeling projects, and new businesses. If a once-nice Victorian neighborhood has vacant buildings, neglected landscapes, and abandoned homes, you'll have to decide if you can wait for it to come back to life.
   
   - Talk to local real estate agents
   - Review county records for home value increases or decreases
   - Walk the neighborhood and see for yourself
   
   
6. Quality schools
   If your neighborhood schools are substandard, you'll either have to accept it, send your children to a private school, or move to a new neighborhood. It's important to evaluate school quality before you move into a community. Ask your state Board of Education about school ratings, visit neighborhood schools, or check ratings on sites like Greatschools.org.
   
   
7. Commuting
   If you want to buy a home in the suburbs and you work in the city, you should consider how the move may affect your commute. An additional distance will increase your fuel expenses. You'll have additional car maintenance and you'll spend more time on the road. Research economical options such as neighborhood carpools or a mass transit system.

Your Real Estate Professionals at Griffith Realty

When you're searching for the perfect neighborhood, it's always a wise to have a local real estate professional on your side.  Contact our team when you're ready to start your search for the right Livingston County neighborhood for you and your family.