Whatever the reason for your move, relocating for a new job or moving because a bigger house is necessary for growing kids, the process will involve excitement as well as unease about the unknown. You know you need to move, but you’re concerned about a safe neighbourhood coupled with getting to know different people. Whichever scenario fits you there are a few things to look for in a new neighbourhood. In the city of Markham, for example, there are many neighbourhoods to choose from such as Cornell, Greensborough, Markham Village, Angus Glen and Unionville just to name a few and each neighbourhood can be quite different from the next.
TRAVEL
How close will your new neighbourhood be to your job? Are schools, churches, shopping and automotive maintenance nearby? What about a park or entertainment facilities? Is traffic bad early in the morning and late in the afternoon at rush hour? Will your new neighbourhood be close enough for friends to come to visit? While you’re in the process of considering a neighbourhood, go to Google Maps and enter different destinations to get an estimate of how long it may take you to walk, drive or take transit to various places. It may also be helpful to go for a drive in the neighbourhood to take a first-hand look at your future surroundings.
THE FUTURE
Have you considered how long you want to live in your new neighbourhood? The future may hold new construction or renovations that could affect property values should you decide to sell. Ask your real estate agent if they know about any future developments planned for your new neighbourhood. No one can predict the future, but some neighbourhood changes, such as expanding industry and shopping centres, or closing schools, could affect property values positively or negatively.
TIMING
Before you set out to buy a house in a new neighbourhood, think if the timing is right. If you’re being transferred to another city for your job, then you’re being forced to move. But if you are simply considering a larger home or have wanderlust, then make sure you have the time to research the area to which you want to move. Rushed decisions can result in moving into unsafe areas in which the homes might be affordable but aesthetically undesirable or the property values are less than perfect. Timing and research is the difference between the above and the perfect abode.
SAFETY
Whether a condo is what you are in the market for or a single family dwelling, safety matters. While your real estate agent has access to excellent neighbourhood information, it also helps to physically visit neighbourhoods. Look for indications of safety, such as homes exteriors that are kept in good condition and little evidence of litter in the streets. Signs such as these are evidence that a community is working together to make the neighbourhood a safe place. When people walk through the neighbourhood and kids play in the streets, it’s a pretty good example of a safe place to bring your family.
