This unfortunate situation exemplifies the need to
focus on location when contemplating the purchase of a home. A million dollar euro isn’t worth a cent if
it’s sitting next to a toxic waste dump.
This example is far-fetched and outrageous, but it makes the point that
finding the right location is certainly as important as finding the right
house.
If
you’re moving to somewhere new how do you investigate a potential neighbourhood? There are a number of factors and issues to
be considered in your evaluation. Some
of them can be covered merely through visual observation; others will have to
be explored with the assistance of community and government organizations.
One of your first and most significant concerns should
be the crime rate. If every other house
on the street is being burglarised every other month, you might want to look
elsewhere. Check the central statistics
offices for quarterly crime stats. The
Ombudsmans offices can also advise on response times in the area. If the community has a neighbourhood watch
group or a neighbourhood citizens’ security patrol, attend one of their
meetings or speak with their group representatives.
How far is your new neighbourhood from your place of
employment? How far is too far? Bottom line: check public transport, driving
time and traffic patterns, both coming and going. If public transport is not an option, are
there any activities or facilities in the area that will make the trip more
unpleasant or time consuming on specific days of the week? As an example, is there a bridge that backs
up on Friday afternoons as people rush to their weekend retreats?
If you have children, or anticipate having them,
you’ll want to check out the schools in the area. Visit the schools and talk to the Principals
or school counsellors. Ask about class
sizes, bus service, curriculum. If your
child is a gifted student, you’ll want to inquire about accelerated
courses. If your child needs special Ed
opportunities, ask about them. Knowing
about your child’s school is one of your primary responsibilities as a parent.
This may sound a bit picky, but you should visit and
evaluate your local markets, shops and restaurants. Do they sell quality products? Is there a convenient place to purchase daily
necessities such as milk, lunch items, coffee, etc.? Do the local restaurants suit your
taste? The answers to these questions
may not factor substantially into your moving decision, but they are part of
the equation and should at least be recognized and considered.
Availability of community services should not be
overlooked. Is there a good hospital in
the immediate vicinity? Do they have an
emergency room? How about parks and a
library?
You should visit the neighbourhood at various times of
the day and night to check for sounds, smells, heavy traffic and the presence
of any activities that you might find offensive as a resident. Sometimes the complexion of a neighbourhood
changes at night. Drive around after
dark and look for the presence of undesirables lounging about in public
places. Try to get a sense and feeling
of the neighbourhood.
Finally, you will want to find out if the area has a residents
association. If so, ask about membership
dues, restrictions and covenants. If the
representative is forthcoming, ask if there are any problems in the area that
you as a prospective new resident should consider.
You are about to make one of the biggest financial
decisions of your life. Don’t be
timid. Ask questions, make notes and weigh
all the pro’s and con’s before deciding.
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