After working with countless families over the years, we’ve found that one of the hardest parts about buying a home is narrowing down the neighborhood you would like to live in. You’re about to make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, so it’s apparent that you’re going to want to make sure you find the perfect location to settle down. Doing your due diligence can prevent you from winding up in an area that doesn’t match your lifestyle. 

When narrowing down your home search in Maryland, there are several factors to consider when making your decision: cost of living, school districts, neighborhood safety, commute distance, and local activities. 

Cost of Living

Most importantly, you’re going to want to take some time to research the cost of living in the area. Check out how much food, healthcare, and transportation costs, for example. Can you afford the local property and school taxes? These are factors that differ greatly from place to place, so look beyond just the cost of the house and don’t forget to factor in these expenses!

School District 

When looking for a new home, school districts are among the main factors to research and prioritize. Do you currently have or plan on having kids in the local school district? Either way, you might be wondering how to determine if the schools in the area are a fit for your family. 

When checking out the local school district looking for school data like test scores, sports, and extracurricular activities at the local middle school and high school levels are a good place to start.

Test Scores and Data

Looking into test scores shows if the district is performing at, under, or above state averages. Local school data can also provide insights into demographics, graduation rates, and curriculum information. 

Sports and Extracurricular Activities

Finding a district with sports and extracurricular activities allows your kid(s) to have access to activities and hobbies that interest them and set them up for success. Remember, competitive high school sports team and extracurricular activities can open the door to future opportunities at the college level! 

Safety 

Safety should be your top priority when scoping out new locations to buy a home in Maryland. When it comes to safety in a new neighborhood, do your research by looking into local crime rates. Speaking with family, friends, and locals who know the neighborhood can give you firsthand insight into the safety of the area and what it is like to live there. 

Commute Distance

If you have a job that requires you to be in the office, you have to consider what your commute time would be for the workday. How many miles are you willing to drive each day? If you find a neighborhood you really like, run through your route on a normal weekday to get a feel for the commute. If driving yourself isn’t an option, see what type of public transportation is available like local trains, subways, and buses. 

Activities in the Area

Consider what you are looking for as far as amenities in your new neighborhood and if you prefer something more serene or spot with a little more hustle and bustle. Do you prefer the outdoors with access to local hiking trails, paths, and parks? Or, would you prefer mainstream shopping and dining? When checking out the local social scene and entertainment, these are some items to consider. 

Ready to Buy Your Dream Home?

If you’re not exactly sure which community is best for you and your family, The Reynolds Team is here to help! We know how confusing this process can be and we would love to serve you in finding your dream home! Our team specializes in helping families narrow down their needs and wants to find the perfect match of home and community. If you are considering making a move, please call us today at 304-316-6412.