It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many homebuyers don’t put enough research into a neighborhood before signing on the dotted line. It’s a mistake that you might make once in your life, but only once, as the repercussions could have you seething for years while living with a very bad decision.
Of course, there will be times when you fall so in love with a house that you really don’t care about the neighbors, whether it’s some pesky neighborhood wildlife or a frequent freight train passing by. After all, these are things you can learn to live with… or can you?
Joking aside, researching the neighborhood before buying a house is critical, especially if you’re considering a more rural community or a street on the outskirts of town, as these areas can present more challenges than a home in the city center. There are many factors to consider when looking at different neighborhoods, and we’re here to tell you what they are and why they matter.
Wildlife
You don’t have to live in a rural area to encounter wildlife on your doorstep; even in the suburbs of many North American cities, wildlife can be a constant presence. Depending on where you live, there are various types of wildlife that could become a royal pain if they decide to pay you regular visits. Some common nuisances include raccoons messing with your garbage, bears feasting on your fruit trees, skunks leaving their overpowering scent behind, and coyotes running rampant. These wily coyotes can cause all sorts of trouble, from killing your pets to howling through the night.
And those adorable deer? They aren’t so cute when they start eating all those lovely flowers you just planted! Coming home at night during the summer, when the days are long, may seem idyllic, but do you really want to constantly worry about deer suddenly running out in front of you?
Trains
With such an extensive train network across North America, it’s hard to live near a major town or city without having at least one rail track nearby. However, the tracks don’t have to be that close to cause problems. Sound can travel for miles if the wind is blowing in your direction, so even if a track seems distant, it can still be disturbing in the quiet of the night. And if you’re near a crossing, every train that passes will blast its horn. It might not seem so bad at first, but freight trains can run all night long, disturbing your sleep repeatedly.
Wind
You might not think that wind could pose a problem, but relentless wind can really wear you down. Some neighborhoods are windier than others, so consider the lay of the land: Is the home perched on a promontory or hillside, or is it situated in an exposed valley where the wind can rush through? That breathtaking view might be a little less appealing if strong winds are a constant presence, and as you lie awake at night listening to the trees creaking, will you worry about one of them falling? Strong winds can also make it difficult to enjoy your home, as patio furniture can end up on your neighbor’s patio, and growing plants, flowers, and vegetables can be a real challenge.
New Roads and Highways
Sometimes a great deal on a house can be too good to be true. The seller may not be aware of plans for a new road or highway in the future, but you can protect yourself by doing your research. If a new road or highway is planned, chances are your searches will uncover some information, as major highways are often years in the making. A six-lane highway at the end of your yard would ruin your peace and quiet, not to mention the potential impact on your ability to sell the home for a decent price.
Ease of Selling
This brings us nicely to the final point: how easy will it be to sell your home? Your real estate agent should be offering good advice on this, so listen to their expertise and consider walking away if they warn you that selling in this neighborhood will be difficult. Selling probably isn’t on your mind right now as you’re just thinking about buying, but at some point, you may want or need to sell the home—and perhaps quickly.
Look out for signs like how long the home has been listed for sale, as this could indicate that it’s a tough property to sell. The neighborhood itself will also impact the ease of selling. If it’s a little rundown now, what will it look like in a few years? You might be willing to overlook a mess next door, but how many potential buyers will be able to look past that? And while you may love living in a rural area, keep in mind that there are far fewer buyers for rural properties than for homes in town.
