How to Choose New Area to Live in?

Phase 1: Define Your Priorities

Before you go out and start asking questions to everyone else regarding the new area you are looking for, it is vital to do some self-introspection first. We should ask ourselves questions and define our priorities and preferences honestly to quickly choose the dream new area where our house will be. Ask yourself and your family the questions on these factors:

1. Proximity to Work or School: Determine how far you are willing to commute daily to your workplace or educational institution. Do you want the new area close to your workplace, or are you comfortable commuting to a longer distance? Also, should the area be close to school, or can the kids manage to go to school by bus?
2. Amenities and Services: Are you habitual to going for a farther distance for necessities like groceries or healthcare, or do you want them closer to walking distance? Are parks important to your daily life, or can you survive without them? If you use public transportation a lot, you must also look for an area near the bus stop or metro station.
3. Safety and Security: Safety is the first priority for anyone looking for a locational change. Deeply research the crime rates of the locality you are attracted to. Whatever locality you visit, ask them about what safety measures they provide to the residents; this will help you judge the security of that area.
4. Community and Lifestyle: Consider the community vibe, local events, recreational activities, and social opportunities that align with your interests. If the vibe and lifestyle of the community don't attract you, you will always feel left out in community gatherings, so ask yourself what lifestyle suits you and choose the area wisely. If you want to wake up early and your neighbors are late-night partygoers, you will struggle to maintain the lifestyle and will always be disturbed and unsatisfied.
5. Housing Affordability: The harsh truth is that our budget defines what sort of lifestyle we should adopt. The more sugar you add to the tea, the sweeter it gets. The higher your budget is, the better location you will get. So set a budget relevant to modern real estate as the inflation rate is increasing every year, and the value of your money is decreasing every year. Don't get too influenced and select an area you can't afford because it is not just a one-time expense you think you can pay off. The expensive locality has expensive amenities and services you must pay monthly, hitting the budget hard. So before finalizing any locality, think twice about it and take advice from your friends and family.

This is the elephant in the room that everyone is well aware of. It is the most substantial amount of the cost of buying a house. The Price of the Property is different in every area. You can have a great idea about the property's price in an area to check if it is overpriced by comparing it with the official Circle rate that authorities assign. Various factors decide the cost of a property, the major factors being location size, amenities, demand, and distance from transport services. In Urban areas and metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, the prices of property have skyrocketed, so if you want to live in top cities, then you have to pay top money as well; otherwise, you can house at comparatively lower prices in rural or suburban areas.

While looking to buy a house, the property cost should be the first and foremost cost you should keep in mind. So you will have to deeply research property prices in your desired location and set a budget to calculate the majority cost of the house.

Phase 2: Conduct Through Research

Even though the research phase may look boring to you, if you research extensively, you can find suitable areas that come under your budget. Now that you have set your priorities, getting out and starting the research process is essential. Utilize the following resources:

1. Online Real Estate Platforms: Numerous real estate websites provide extensive knowledge about property listings. The websites have thousands of listings and provide deep insights into localities and areas. The online platforms also provide the price range of the area and properties so that you can have an overall idea of the average property price in different areas.
2. Local Government Websites: You should also visit the official websites of the city or town you are attracted to. Official websites have a lot of crucial data about the area, such as crime rates, schools, community events, and public services. There is no sense in going ahead with the town or locality with high crime rates, so make sure to tick this crucial point before making your mind towards an area.
3. Community Forums and Social Media: Social media has made everything more transparent. There are community forums in almost all towns and cities, which are a goldmine for anyone seeking knowledge about a particular area from those who have lived there for years. Not just community forums; there are various social media groups and pages that help you connect with locals and gain you their firsthand experiences and recommendations. You cannot get this type of specific knowledge you cannot get through any other method as it is from the perspective of someone who has been living in that area for years and knows all the insights about it.
4. Visit the Area in Person: Don't just look at the place on your phone and select it. Whatsoever location you like, make sure you visit it physically and experience the atmosphere, feel the weather, visit the neighborhoods, talk to the people living there, and explore the local amenities. Sometimes things aren't the same as they look on the internet, so it is always better to physically visit the place and see if the location's weather and atmosphere suit you.

Phase 3: Evaluate the Neighbourhood

Having a suitable neighborhood is a must for an excellent residential experience. After investing so much money in buying a house, everyone wants a comfortable living environment and, most importantly, a safe neighborhood that provides you with a sense of security. Whenever you visit a location, look to assess the following aspects of the neighborhood

1. Schools and Educational Institutions: If you have children, then not only do you need to research the location, but you also need to evaluate the quality of nearby schools and colleges. Also, look for schools nearby your location because kids can get exhausted daily commuting from school to home. We cannot hamper our children's education for a better location, so if you are improving your standard of living, then also improve your kid's quality of education.
2. Transportation and Connectivity: For regular commuting, there is always a need for public transportation and better roads and highways. Going to a metropolitan city gives you great roads, highways, and numerous public transportation options. Still, the environment will be highly crowded, and the cost of living will be pretty high. Whereas if you look at a small town, you won't be getting world-class transportation and roadways, you will have a calm and soothing environment and a minimal cost of living. So, while selecting a location, remember what your requirements are and how well the location can help you connect with other cities.
3. Recreation and Lifestyle: House is an escape from the stress of workload, and if your house has recreational facilities close to it, you can have a better time in that area. Parks, cultural venues, restaurants, and theatres can improve your residential experience. One thing that should be in your mind while choosing the location is that the entertainment options should match your interest. Being surrounded by various non-veg restaurants won't enhance your living experience if you are a vegetarian. Consider the availability of recreational facilities, parks, cultural venues, restaurants, and entertainment options that match your interests.
4. Safety and Environment: Cleanliness and safety are two factors that elevate living standards in any area. When choosing a location for your new house, carefully evaluate the area's cleanliness, safety, and overall ambiance. If you want a healthy life, your locality should be free from garbage.

Phase 4: Seek Professional Advice

It is always great to let the professionals do their job. Just like you don't fill cavities in your teeth on your own and consult a doctor, the same way you should consult with real estate agents when choosing an area. Local real estate agents have in-depth and the most knowledge of their area. Even though they will charge you a commission for their service, they can truly understand your requirements and show you an area that fulfills them. An experienced and skilled agent can offer you valuable insights, recommend suitable neighborhoods, and provide you with a property that is suitable for you at a reasonable price.

Phase 5: Check Future Developments

A homeowner, on average, lives close to 13 years in his new house. You will live in your new house for most of your life, so it is essential to check for any future developments in the area. Future infrastructure projects, commercial establishments, and residential developments can significantly impact the neighborhood's dynamics and property values.

Tip- Don't make your decision based on information from unknown sources. A lot of people spread rumors about development in their area so that they can trap and convince people to buy property in their area. Always consider news from credible sources about the approval of any future project.

Phase 6: Ask for Recommendations

Reach out to your friends, colleagues, or relatives currently or previously living in the area that you like. Because they have lived there for years, they are known for all aspects of the area, and the best part is they will never sugar-coat any downside of the area and will present you with their honest opinion. Real estate agents or property owners will never criticize their locality, so taking a second opinion from your known ones will show you the real prospects of the area.

Phase 7: Consider the Cost of Living

Buying a house is not just a one-time expense; the area or locality you reside primarily decides your cost of living. Always calculate the area's complete cost of living, including housing expenses, utilities, transportation, and daily necessities. So before you select a posh area, make sure you know the additional costs to the property, such as property taxes, Municipal taxes, etc.

Phase 8: Plan a Trial Stay

A great idea to know the experience of living in that area will be to live there for some time and have a firsthand experience of the area for a few weeks. Even though it might seem a bit over the top, if you are going to live in an area for decades, it's better to first live in it for a few weeks to know whether the place is suitable for you. You can rent a house for the short term or live with your friends and relatives in that area for a proper residential experience. A trial stay can offer invaluable insights before committing to a long-term move.

Phase 9: Trust Your Instincts

It is as much of an emotional decision as a financial one. So you need to trust your instincts and choose an area your heart also approves of. So many experts suggest when to buy a house, where to buy a house, and whatnot, but experts are not telling you that the same formula cannot apply to everyone's life and financial situation. Mostly, none of what they say applies to you because everyone has different expectations and requirements from a house. Ultimately things boil down to what suits you better and not what others say. Go for a location that matches your lifestyle and goals and provides overall happiness.

Choosing a new area is a significant decision in anyone's life, so we must do due diligence before choosing a new area. Mindlessly choosing a new area can make your life no less than a nightmare. So when you choose a new area to live in, be sure you have done thoughtful research and kept in mind the numerous factors that affect your daily routine in the house. From transportation facilities to security, your house should be in an area that provides you with facilities and opportunities that enhance your life. Remember that the perfect neighborhood meets your practical needs and feels like home, offering a sense of belonging and contentment. Happy house-hunting!