With so many from which to choose, how does one decide on the best NJ neighborhood in which to shop for a new home? We’ve come up with a few tips to help make the process of choosing a new neighborhood a bit easier.
Read Up on the Local Main Industries and Job Market
This means doing a little research. But the time you spend on that research will be well worth the effort. Even if you currently have a job, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be looking for one in the future. Job markets can also tell you whether or not a neighborhood is crumbling or thriving.
Check Out the Local Schools
A great way to check out the schools is to attend a game or see a play at the school. Not everyone holds the quality of local schools as a number one priority, but it can also help you discover the attitudes and behaviors of the local children. They too will be your neighbors.
Stop in at Some Local Hotspots or Restaurants
While you’re out and about doing your house/neighborhood shopping, you’re bound to get hungry. Check out some of the popular eateries while you’re at it. Here you can take a closer look at the behavior of the people who live in the neighborhood and get a feel for the neighborhood vibe. Do the people in the restaurant seem happy? How is the customer service? Did all heads turn and the place goad deadly quiet when you walked through the door? People watching can tell you a lot about the neighborhood.
Attend an Event or a Local Festival
By attending a local festival or event, you can cover a multitude of determining factors. First of all, you should be able to tune into what kind of a community you’re dealing with. Old? Young? Are they tightly knit? Is it, maybe, a little too country for you? The spirit of a neighborhood can be found through the local events they promote and attend.
Go for a Drive or a Walk around the Neighborhood
Whether you drive or walk, take your time. Visit on weekdays as well as on weekends, and on various times of day. Pay close attention to areas that seem dilapidated or unsafe. What kind of an effect will these areas have on your quality of life?
Say Hi to Some of Your Potential Neighbors
During that drive or walk around the neighborhood, don’t be shy about stopping to talk to the neighbors. Do they readily make eye contact with you? Are they friendly, not friendly at all, or a little too friendly? Do they seem a tad standoffish? Talking to your potential neighbors will help you decide if this is the right spot for you.
Figure Out the Job Commute
No one wants to spend a lifetime stuck in traffic. Shorter commutes are just better. Consider how long it takes you to drive from work to several various neighborhoods. The shortest drive might be an impacting factor. Be sure to consider local rush hours.
Now that you know a few tips that should assist you in finding the appropriate New Jersey neighborhood, once you’ve decided upon one or more locations, give us a call at NJ Lux Real Estate. We can help you with the home buying process to make sure you have the ideal, perfectly located home of your dreams.
