Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighbourhood in Your New City

Moving to a new city can be an exciting experience, especially if you will be moving into a city that you fell in love with during a recent trip. However, before making any final decisions about moving to the place, you need to find the neighbourhood that is most suitable to your needs.

If you’re thinking about moving to another city, ask yourself these questions “Where should I live” and “What kind of neighbourhood are in this city?”. This will help you determine your needs and allow you to make informed decisions in choosing the best location to move into.

Before booking your move with a professional removalist or hiring a moving vehicle, here’s what you need to consider when choosing a neighbourhood where you will relocate with your family:

Safety

Neighbourhood safety is one of the most important factors you need to consider when buying a home, especially if you are moving with your children. Dedicate some time to look into the crime rates or statistics in the area. Check if the community has a neighbourhood watch, adequate lighting and essential facilities.

Every neighbourhood will have some kind of criminal activity at some point, but this doesn’t mean that a crime occurs so frequently that it makes the place unsafe. Before you get discouraged by such ideas, it’s best to check criminal reports through the city’s website or contact local law enforcement for more details.

Proximity to Essential Facilities

When choosing a location for your new home, it is ideal to choose an area that is located near establishments where you can buy essential items such as food, medication, and toiletries. This is crucial, especially if you are moving with your children as it will make it easier to run the majority of your errands.

If you can only visit the area after moving, try to map out the area and see if the neighbourhood you have in mind will be in close proximity to a grocery, pharmacy, and department store that offers your preferred products. If you’re moving to a rural area, consider checking if such facilities are located near or along the way to or from work.

Quality education

If you have school-age children or your child will be old enough to school soon, it’s best to move to a neighbourhood located near schools that can offer the best learning experience for your young ones. Find some time to research the schools in the area.

Check the following:

  • Enrollment statistics
  • Student/Teacher ratios
  • Reviews written by parents and students about the school
  • Academic programs offered
  • Extra-curricular activities

Traffic and access to public transport

Whether you will be driving your own vehicle or you’re taking public transport after moving, you need to consider the traffic and ease of access to public transport in your new location. If you’re taking your vehicle with you when you move, look for details on the traffic situation in your chosen area. In case you plan on using public transport, consider looking into the schedule of buses, trains, and other means of transportation you will be using to go to work or school. When possible, consider visiting the location to get a better grasp of how things will work once you move in. This can help you decide if this is the right place for your and your family.

Amenities and attractions

When choosing a new neighbourhood, it is also important to consider if your chosen location has the amenities/facilities to cater to your lifestyle. Check for nearby gyms, restaurants, parks, attractions, and other facilities that cater to your interests, so it will be easier to get back to your routine. It may seem like an irrelevant detail at first, but these things can contribute a lot in helping you settle in your new community. Access to these can be a deciding factor, especially if you’re moving on your own since it will allow you to do the activities you love without spending too much time and resources to get to them. In case you are moving with your family, being close to restaurants, parks, and other attractions will make it easier to organise activities for the family.

No matter what reasons you may have for moving to a new city, it is crucial that you carefully plan, not only the details of your move but what comes after everything has been unpacked. Aside from performing thorough research about the place, it is highly recommended that you visit the neighbourhood or community before making any decisions. This way, you can get a better impression of the place and see if it is the right place for you.

If the place makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, especially if you feel that the culture is not aligned with your beliefs, consider moving elsewhere. This way, you won’t have to force yourself to settle in a city that doesn’t feel like home. If you are moving because of an employment opportunity, choose a place that is close to your workplace.