How to Test Drive a Neighborhood Before You Make a Home Offer

Estimated reading time: 2.5 minutes

Neighborhoods, like people, can have different personalities and offer different things. But if you’re moving to a new place, how can you envision what life will look like in your new neighborhood?

Leverage Your Real Estate Agent

Your Real Estate Agent is your guide to the local market. They’ll be able to let you know if the neighborhood you’re considering aligns with your “must-have’s.” They can also share insights on traffic patterns, street parking, walkability, and other real estate comparables.

Talk to Residents

Nobody knows the neighborhood like the other residents that live there! Visiting local spots and chatting with employees or regulars can reveal a lot. You can ask questions like how long someone has lived there or how things have changed since they moved in. Not only will you gain insights about the neighborhood, but you could potentially make some new connections and friends.

Check Out Neighborhood Groups or Social Media Forums

Facebook groups or Reddit threads can present information about local events, safety updates, business recommendations, and other discussions about the area. If you feel comfortable enough to make a post, you could ask for recommendations and things to know before you move in.

Walk Around at Different Times

A neighborhood can feel very differently at 3:00 on a Thursday afternoon compared to 9:00 on a Saturday night. As you explore, take note of what you see. Are the sidewalks well maintained? Do people take their pets and children on walks? What is the traffic like at different times of day? By visiting on different days and at different times, you’ll get a feel for the neighborhood’s energy and routines.

Visit a Local Eatery

Find a restaurant or coffee shop that you can spend time in. If you’re comfortable, ask people that work there about the neighborhood. Spend some time watching people pass by, too. How are people getting around? How busy is the neighborhood?

Book a Place to Stay

One of the best ways to get to know an area is to immerse yourself in it. Stay in a hotel or AirBNB that’s close to the home you’re interested in. You’ll be able to learn firsthand what a neighborhood is like on different days of the week and at different times of day. This also gives you the opportunity to run through your normal routine. Does it take you extra time to get somewhere? If you’ll be relying on public transit, do you know where the stops are?

There’s No Place Like Home

Regardless of where you decide to set your roots, there’s no place quite like home. We can help you get there, too! Contact us today to be paired with a Licensed Loan Originator that will be by your side throughout the home financing journey.