By: Joshua Finley

Neighborliness within a community is rarely considered when buying future homes but often plays a major part in your long-term satisfaction. In fact, according to a report by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, quality ties within neighborhoods have been associated with increased levels of happiness, security, and even well-being among residents. Featured hereafter is how homebuyers should look beyond the house and consider the kind of life that a close-knit, supportive neighborhood could offer.

Walkability

It is one of the essential features that adds convenience and living day by day. A walkable community means it will not be a hassle to reach grocery stores, parks, and schools on foot. According to the Urban Land Magazine, neighborhoods with walking availability combined with increased property values are steadily improving citizens’ quality of life. Lively walkways, safe crossings, and pedestrian-friendly streets would give way to more active living and thus appeal to buyers for their community.

Local Amenities

Amenities within preferred distance, such as parks, restaurants, and retail stores, have a great influence on daily convenience and overall satisfaction. Having all of these amenities within reach saves time from travel and increases free time for leisure activities, adding to the balance in lifestyle. According to the American Planning Association, varied and well-developed amenities in neighborhoods result in longer-term residents and higher property values. Access to parks and recreational areas is particularly associated with improved mental health and physical well-being.

Community Engagement and Safety

A good sense of community engagement is another vital element in neighborhood evaluation. Residents who participate in local events, join neighborhood associations, or at least know their neighbors build a more hospitable and supportive environment. The Trust for Public Land indicates that communities that are more active are generally the ones that have lower incidents of crime and experience higher levels of safety. The level of activity and safety of a neighborhood is a house buyer’s way of determining whether there is an adequate sense of security and community integration. The level of safety and friendliness can be gleaned from consulting crime incidents within the local vicinity and talking to existing residents.

Aesthetic and Environmental Quality

Besides being friendly to the environment, aesthetic appeal and environmental quality remain two of the critical concerns of a home-seeker when searching for a house, much like those close-to-nature West Seattle homes for sale. Such desirable locations full of natural and water views offer a laid-back vibe with destinations like front beaches one can visit every weekend.

The NC State University reports that access to natural areas and green spaces improves general happiness and reduces levels of stress. As such, this would render the community highly desirable for those purchasers looking for a more nature-based and tranquil community.

Property Maintenance and Upkeep

The overall maintenance of the homes within any neighborhood is typically indicative of both community pride and long-term stability. Well-maintained houses reflect their residents’ care for their neighborhood, and thus, this will aim that property values remain stable or appreciated with time. According to Zillow, houses in neighborhoods where maintenance is taken seriously sell faster and for higher prices. If you are trying to make a decision on a neighborhood to settle in, look around at the homes, the lawn, and the general spaces around the community that speak to the care and pride of the residents.

The Sum-ups

Neighborliness tends to be a critical home-buying factor that should not be ignored. In a nutshell, it encompasses walkability, amenities, community spirit, and environmental quality, as well as the care of the property. Pay attention to them, and you will definitely make a well-informed decision that would comport with your way of life and improve living there. A good neighborly community makes a house a home and allows one to have more than just a place to live, but a place where one genuinely feels at home.

Published by: Nelly Chavez